Schenectady man indicted in 2021 E-Shawn Berkley murder

Darryl Yorke charged with second-degree murder and other counts in fatal shooting

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:36pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh direct flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The indictment of a second suspect in the 2021 killing of E-Shawn Berkley exposes the grim realities of violent crime in Schenectady.Schenectady Today

Schenectady County District Attorney's officials announced the indictment of 38-year-old Darryl Yorke on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the 2021 shooting death of E-Shawn Berkley outside the former Tropics Bar and Grill in Schenectady, New York. Yorke is the second suspect charged in the case.

Why it matters

The indictment of Yorke brings some closure to the Berkley family and the Schenectady community, which has grappled with gun violence and unsolved homicides in recent years. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting violent crimes, especially when multiple suspects are involved.

The details

According to officials, Yorke was partially arraigned on the unsealed indictment on Thursday. In addition to the murder and assault charges, he also faces counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Berkley was shot and killed outside the Tropics Bar and Grill in Schenectady in 2021. Yorke is the second suspect charged in the case, though details on the first suspect and their alleged involvement have not been released.

  • E-Shawn Berkley was shot and killed outside the Tropics Bar and Grill in Schenectady in 2021.
  • Darryl Yorke was indicted and partially arraigned on the charges on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Darryl Yorke

A 38-year-old Schenectady resident who has been indicted on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the 2021 shooting death of E-Shawn Berkley.

E-Shawn Berkley

The victim who was shot and killed outside the Tropics Bar and Grill in Schenectady in 2021.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Yorke's bail status at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting violent crimes, especially when multiple suspects are involved. The indictment of Yorke provides some measure of justice for the Berkley family, but also underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and unsolved homicides in the Schenectady community.