New Jersey: Gang Member’s Sentencing Delayed
The sentencing for the role Bermudian Andre Trott played in an American’s murder has been postponed till March 24. The sentencing was delayed after the victim’s relatives requested a review of the previously recommended eight-year prison term.
Andre Trott, of Sandys, was arrested after the May 2009 shooting of Shakir McCray outside of an apartment complex in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The NJ Police say it appeared to be a case of a drug deal gone bad.
Mr. Trott in court. Credit: Amanda Brown/Star Ledger
Mr. Trott and the accused gunman, Cadre Williams, were arrested within one hour of the shooting. Both men were charged with murder, however Mr. Williams hung himself with a bed sheet a week after being arrested. He had apparently confessed to the murder prior to committing suicide.
This lead to the murder charges against the Bermudian being dropped, as authorities said that with the shooter being deceased, proving “shared intent” for the murder would be difficult.
Mr. Trott’s bail was set at over a million dollars in order to prevent him returning home to Bermuda. At the time of the murder, authorities say he had a plane ticket to return to the island the following week.
Alleged to be the driver of the ‘getaway car’, Mr. Trott pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault.
Mr. Trott has been described by New Jersey authorities as a “high ranking member of the Bloods street gang”.
The victim, 31 yr old Shakir McCray, leaves behind four children. In reference to the length of the sentence being handed to Mr. Trott, the victim’s mother Carla McCray said:
This sends out a message that somebody can come from anywhere and kill somebody
