Hempstead Man Tied to Bloods Gang Sentenced to 35 Years to Life for 2019 Fatal Drive-By

Taiquan Cullum convicted of second-degree murder and weapons charges for shooting death of innocent bystander

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.A recent spate of gang-related drive-by shootings on Long Island has left local communities grappling with the devastating aftermath.Otisville Today

A Hempstead man associated with the Bloods gang was sentenced to up to life in prison for a drive-by shooting in 2019 that took the life of a 36-year-old man. Taiquan Cullum, also known as 'Tay Tay,' was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon charges for the fatal shooting of Paul LaRue, an innocent bystander, after Cullum was previously the target of an attempted murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of gang violence and retaliatory shootings in Long Island communities, which often result in tragic loss of life for uninvolved residents. It also raises concerns about the availability of illegal firearms and the need for stronger enforcement and intervention programs to curb the cycle of violence.

The details

Prosecutors say that on July 28, 2019, Cullum was at a bar in Baldwin and was shot at seven times by Jermaine Grant due to a perceived dispute. Cullum then went to Hempstead, retrieved a gun, and picked up Deion Barros to help him find the person who shot at him. They drove around Hempstead and came across LaRue, a friend of Grant's who was not involved in the initial shooting, sitting in his car at a red light. Barros then allegedly opened fire on LaRue's vehicle, killing him.

  • On July 28, 2019, Cullum was shot at by Jermaine Grant at a bar in Baldwin.
  • On the same day, Cullum and Deion Barros drove around Hempstead and fatally shot Paul LaRue.
  • Cullum was convicted on June 26, 2025 and sentenced on April 3, 2026.
  • Grant was convicted on October 27, 2022 and sentenced on December 2, 2022.

The players

Taiquan Cullum

Also known as 'Tay Tay,' a Hempstead man associated with the Bloods gang who was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon charges for the 2019 fatal drive-by shooting.

Jermaine Grant

The individual who shot at Cullum at a bar in Baldwin, leading to the retaliatory drive-by shooting that killed an innocent bystander.

Deion Barros

The individual who accompanied Cullum and allegedly opened fire on the victim's vehicle, killing Paul LaRue.

Paul LaRue

The 36-year-old innocent bystander who was fatally shot while sitting in his car at a red light in Hempstead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'This defendant's indiscriminate violence had heartbreaking consequences.'”

— Madeline Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Jermaine Grant, who was convicted of attempted murder for shooting at Cullum, to be released on parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger gang intervention programs, illegal firearms enforcement, and community-based solutions to break the cycle of retaliatory violence that often claims innocent lives in Long Island neighborhoods.