Bronx resident receives 78-month prison sentence for involvement in shooting

Demont Christian, a Bronx resident, has been handed a prison sentence of 78 months for his involvement in a shooting that took place on October 7, 2022, at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and Faile Street within the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx, New York.

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, made the announcement of the sentencing, highlighting the severity of the case.

Christian had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken to a single charge of possessing ammunition following a felony conviction.

This conviction stemmed from his act of violence on that fateful day when he discharged a loaded handgun towards a pedestrian in front of a Bronx deli.

The incident occurred at a bustling intersection, amidst a backdrop of pedestrians on sidewalks and passing vehicles.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams remarked, “On October 7, 2022, Demont Christian pulled a loaded handgun from his pocket and opened fire on a pedestrian in front of a Bronx deli. Christian perpetrated this senseless act of violence at a busy intersection filled with New Yorkers on nearby sidewalks and in passing vehicles.”

This sentencing aims to underscore the authorities’ commitment to resolutely investigate and prosecute instances of gun violence in accordance with the full extent of the law.

The details of the incident, as presented in the indictment and court statements, paint a grim picture.

At approximately 10:24 pm, Demont Christian, wearing a ski mask, discharged four shots from a .380 caliber handgun towards a victim located near 1126 Westchester Avenue.

The victim was walking across Westchester Avenue at the time of the attack, and Christian, standing on the sidewalk, aimed the gun from a distance of two to four car lengths away. Shockingly, surveillance footage revealed that “Christian deliberately targeted the victim despite the presence of bystanders in close proximity.”

It was later revealed that Christian was ineligible to possess ammunition due to his prior conviction in New York State for attempted assault in the second degree.

This earlier conviction had resulted in a sentence of two to four years in prison. With a history of at least 15 previous criminal convictions, Christian’s actions underscored a pattern of disregard for the law.

In addition to the prison term, 28-year-old Demont Christian of the Bronx, New York, has been sentenced to three years of supervised release.

The successful investigation leading to this sentencing was a result of the diligent efforts of the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Kinder has overseen the prosecution of this case under the Office’s General Crimes Unit.

The sentencing of Demont Christian serves as a stern reminder that acts of gun violence will be met with uncompromising legal action.

The sentence aims to send a resounding message that such offenses will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, thereby prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community.