BRONX MAN CONVICTED OF THE ATTEMPTED MURDERS OF THREE INNOCENT BYSTANDERS IN GANG RELATED SHOOTINGS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a Bronx man has been convicted of the attempted murders of three innocent bystanders in a shooting incident that he initiated in order to settle a dispute with members of a rival gang.

Joao Delesline (aka 1220), 26, was found guilty on three counts of Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree in connection with the shootings which occurred on February 10, 2004 in front of 610 Castle Hill Avenue. All three victims were innocent bystanders who were mistakenly believed to be “Bloods” gang members. Delesline, a “Crypts” gang member, was convicted of “acting in concert” with three accomplices in attempting to kill the bystanders who were 16, 17 and 21 years old when the incident occurred.

State Supreme Court Justice David Stadtmauer set sentencing for Monday, April 3, 2006 in Part T-19. Delesline is facing up to 75 years imprisonment if the judge imposes consecutive sentences of 25 years in state prison for each victim.

Witnesses testified that the defendant, armed with a .32 caliber handgun, confronted his intended target in front of a Laundromat at 610 Castle Hill Avenue, placed a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The weapon jammed, however, and failed to discharge. Meanwhile, one of Delesline’s accomplices chased and shot the innocent bystanders who tried to run to safety. One victim was shot twice in the back and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Another was shot once in the back of his heel which required reconstructive surgery. The third victim was shot once in the back, twice in the legs and has recovered from the injuries. Police arrested Delesline a short time later when they spotted him leaving an apartment house at 2280 Randall Avenue, where the assailants had fled following the shootings. Delesline was the only one apprehended.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Lawrence Piergrossi and April Cohen.