Poughkeepsie man convicted of manslaughter in 2024 stabbing death

Jury finds Shrone 'On Sight' Wright guilty of first-degree manslaughter, rejecting murder charge

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:41am

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A Dutchess County jury convicted Shrone 'On Sight' Wright, 52, of Poughkeepsie, on a charge of first-degree manslaughter on Thursday in connection with the 2024 stabbing death of William 'Captain Bill' Gearhart. Wright had been on trial for murder but was found guilty of the lesser charge after claiming he acted in self-defense during an altercation with Gearhart.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of self-defense claims in violent crimes and the challenges prosecutors face in securing murder convictions, even in cases involving a fatality. The verdict also underscores the role of juries in carefully weighing evidence and reaching conclusions that balance accountability with mitigating circumstances.

The details

According to testimony, Wright stabbed Gearhart, 50, in the neck during a November 2024 altercation on a Poughkeepsie street. Wright claimed he acted in self-defense, saying he was being attacked by Gearhart. After about three hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Wright of first-degree manslaughter, rejecting the murder charge.

  • The incident occurred in November 2024.
  • The trial took place in March 2026.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for May 12.

The players

Shrone 'On Sight' Wright

A 52-year-old Poughkeepsie resident who was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in the 2024 stabbing death of William Gearhart.

William 'Captain Bill' Gearhart

The 50-year-old victim who was fatally stabbed by Shrone Wright in November 2024.

Anthony Parisi

The Dutchess County District Attorney who said the verdict holds the defendant accountable for the fatal act.

Kelley Enderley and Ryan LeGrady

The Poughkeepsie defense attorneys who represented Shrone Wright.

Judge Segal

The judge who presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for May 12.

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What they’re saying

“William Gearhart lost his life as the result of a senseless act of violence on a Poughkeepsie street. Today, the jury carefully weighed the evidence and held the defendant accountable for that fatal act. While nothing can restore Mr. Gearhart to his family, this verdict affirms that violence of this kind will be met with accountability in Dutchess County.”

— Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County District Attorney

“We are happy the jury found that our client did not intend to cause anyone's death, but disappointed that they found him guilty of manslaughter in the first degree.”

— Kelley Enderley, Poughkeepsie defense attorney

What’s next

Judge Segal scheduled sentencing for May 12, where Wright will face a potential sentence for the first-degree manslaughter conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the nuances of self-defense claims in violent crimes and the challenges prosecutors face in securing murder convictions, even when a fatality occurs. The jury's decision to convict on the lesser manslaughter charge suggests they believed Wright's actions were not premeditated but rather a result of a physical altercation, underscoring the importance of carefully weighing evidence in such complex cases.