BRONX GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER IN NEAR FATAL SHOOTING DURING TURF DISPUTE INVOLVING DRUG SALES

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 25 year old gang member and convicted drug dealer is facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years to life imprisonment for trying to kill an alleged competitor because of an ongoing turf dispute.

Zebediah Hart, of 565 East 188th Street, the Bronx was found guilty of Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree, Assault in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree in the shooting of 27 year old Michael Cooks on January 27, 2001.

Acting State Supreme Court Justice Dennis Boyle set sentencing for Monday, May 20, 2002 in Part T4. Hart, a mandatory persistent violent felony offender, is facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years to life imprisonment. Hart has two prior felony convictions for attempted robbery and illegal gun possession.

Cooks was shot twice while heading home to his apartment on College Avenue after leaving a grocery store where he and the defendant Hart had been arguing. Witnesses testified that Hart ran out of the store after Cooks and called his name. When Cooks turned to face Hart, the defendant drew a handgun, aimed at the victim’s head and fired a shot. The bullet struck Cooks’ in the arm which he had raised defensively when Hart aimed the weapon. Cooks immediately turned and started to flee when Hart fired a second shot which struck the victim in the side.

The jury heard testimony that Hart, a gang member, had been arguing with Cooks over turf involving street sales of crack cocaine.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Wanda Perez and Daniel Sullivan of the Investigations Division’s Rackets Bureau.