MINEOLA, N.Y. — Two men have been convicted of murder and other charges in connection with a fatal 2023 shooting outside a Valley Stream party venue that left one man dead and three others, including a child, injured, Nassau County prosecutors announced Thursday.
Key Points
- Kyle Matthews and Isaiah Gonzalez were convicted of second-degree murder and conspiracy in the 2023 Valley Stream shooting.
- The shooting left 20-year-old Deandre Carter dead and injured three others, including a 12-year-old.
- Both men face up to 65 years to life in prison at their May 9 sentencing.
Fatal shooting followed gang-related dispute
Kyle Matthews and Isaiah Gonzalez, both 23, were found guilty by a Nassau County jury on April 10 after a three-week trial. Prosecutors said the men conspired to carry out a gang-related shooting on August 21, 2023, outside a venue on Ocean Avenue, targeting attendees at a party linked to the Crips street gang.
Matthews and Gonzalez approached a group standing outside the venue around 8:22 p.m. and fired at least eight rounds using two .380 caliber pistols, according to officials.
Deandre Carter, 20, was hit in the chest and later died from his injuries. Three others were wounded, including a 12-year-old child. All surviving victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Surveillance video key in securing convictions
Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Matthews and Gonzalez traveling in a Mercedes-Benz to multiple locations before the attack, including near the home of co-defendant Kenny Greene. The footage later placed the vehicle near the crime scene.
Greene, 24, was acquitted of conspiracy charges during the same trial.
Matthews and Gonzalez were each convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The jury reached its verdict after one day of deliberation following a trial that began March 17.
Arrests made weeks after shooting
Matthews was arrested on September 6, 2023, in Far Rockaway by the NYPD. Gonzalez was taken into custody two days later in Manhattan.
Both face a potential maximum sentence of 65 years to life in prison when they return to court for sentencing on May 9.
“This case is yet another tragic reminder of the kind of devastation gang violence wreaks in our community,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
Two men face life in prison after gunning down a partygoer and wounding three others in a targeted gang attack.