St. Albans man convicted after shooting former friend in the face

A St. Albans man was convicted of attempted murder following a dispute outside a barbershop. Photo by Dustin Tray via Pexels.

By Victoria Merlino

A 24-year-old St. Albans man was convicted of attempted murder after shooting a former friend in the face outsite of a Merrick Boulevard barbershop.

Defendant David Francis called the victim, then 29-year-old Khaleel Williams, to settle a feud over damage to Francis’ car in June 2018. The men, who were friends for a few years prior to the dispute, met at a barbershop on Merrick Boulevard and got into a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation, and Williams was thrown out of the barbershop.

Francis then went outside and demanded money from Williams, and after Williams refused, Francis shot him in the face and fled. In July 2018, Williams had to have surgery to remove the bullet from his mouth.

“The defendant in this case flew into a rage and shot the victim, a former friend,  following a petty dispute over money,” Acting District Attorney John Ryan said in a statement. “The defendant now faces a lengthy prison sentence as a result of his vengeful actions.”  

Francis faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by Justice Ira Margulis on July 8.