Syracuse Man Accused of Shooting at Kids, But Not Guilty of Attempted Murder

Defense argues client committed crimes, but not the charges he faces from 2024 shooting incident.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:45pm

An extreme close-up of a shiny brass shell casing resting on a dark, textured surface, highlighting the stark, investigative nature of the crime scene evidence.A single shell casing left behind after a shooting incident exposes the gritty realities of urban violence.Syracuse Today

A 19-year-old Syracuse man is on trial for a 2024 shooting incident where he allegedly fired at a group of kids. His defense attorney told the jury that while the client has committed crimes in the past, he should not be found guilty of the attempted murder charges he currently faces.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of prosecuting violent crimes, especially those involving minors, and the challenges defense attorneys face in arguing for reduced charges despite a defendant's criminal history.

The details

The defense attorney argued that his client, whose name was not released, did shoot at the group of kids but should not be found guilty of attempted murder. The shooting incident occurred in 2024 in Syracuse, New York.

  • The shooting incident took place in 2024.

The players

Syracuse Defense Attorney

The attorney representing the 19-year-old defendant in this case.

19-year-old Syracuse Resident

The defendant on trial for the 2024 shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“My client has committed crimes and should be held accountable — but not for the charges he faces stemming from this shooting.”

— Syracuse Defense Attorney

The takeaway

This case highlights the nuances involved in prosecuting violent crimes, especially those with complex circumstances and a defendant's prior criminal history. The defense's argument suggests the jury may have to carefully weigh the evidence to determine the appropriate charges.