Gunman In Fatal Jamaica Shooting Sentenced to 25 Years to Life

By Jonathan Sperling

A Brooklyn man who shot and killed his friend outside of a Jamaica deli three years ago was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, Chief Assistant District Attorney John M. Ryan announced on March 13.

Teimel Morris, who was 22 years old when he shot acquaintance Edward Harris in the head on 160th Street, was found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a two-week-long trial. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise handed down the sentence.

“This was a senseless act of violence that needlessly took the life of a young man. The defendant in this case — just 22 at the time of the shooting — is now sentenced to a very long term of incarceration,” Ryan said in a statement. “Sadly, the defendant showed a total disregard for human life when he shot and killed the victim.”

Morris, now 25, was in a heated conversation with Edward Harris outside of the deli shortly before the sound of gunfire rang out, prosecutors said.

Witnesses heard the gunfire and said they saw someone who fit Morris’ description running from the scene and carrying a gun. Morris admitted that he was with Harris and identified himself on video surveillance

Harris was shot twice and died five days later on May 11, 2016.