BRONX MAN FACING UP TO FIFTY YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR AN ATTEMPTED MURDER IN A BRONX PARK WITNESSED BY OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICERS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a jury last night convicted a 28 year old Bronx man of attempted murder for shooting an acquaintance in broad daylight next to a ballfield where several off duty police officers were playing softball.

Roberto Williams, of 1150 Evergreen Avenue, was found guilty of one count of Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree in the shooting of Angel Ramos, 27, one count of Assault in the 1st degree, one count of Robbery in the 1st degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree.

State Supreme Court Justice Caesar Cirigliano set sentencing for Wednesday, October 1, 2003 in Part T5. Williams is facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment on each of the attempted murder, assault and robbery charges and up to seven years imprisonment on the gun charge. By law, Williams could be sentenced to consecutive terms on the attempted murder and robbery charges. If the judge does impose consecutive terms, Williams potentially could be imprisoned for as many as fifty years.

The shooting occurred on July 21, 2002 at a park on the corner of Metcalf and Lafayette Avenues in the Soundview section of the Bronx where the victim, Angel Ramos, was watching a softball game. Ramos saw the defendant get out of a car and began to flee as Williams approached him. Ramos collapsed when Williams shot him once in the back with a nine millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Williams then stood over the victim and shot him six more times in the abdomen and thighs.

Several off duty police officers who were playing softball heard the gunshots and pursued Williams as he fled along Lafayette Avenue. Williams commandeered a woman’s car as she sat double parked with her keys in the ignition. The woman, Letetra Dalton, escaped uninjured before Williams led police on a high speed chase. Williams was taken into custody when traffic congestion made it impossible for him to continue fleeing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Pamela Pannes.