Foster mother states that man killed in Harlem shooting had a history of street addiction.

A tragic shooting in a housing complex courtyard in Harlem has resulted in the death of Hamid Thomas, a 32-year-old man whose life was marked by a complex mix of potential and hardship. Reports indicate that Thomas was shot while sitting on a bench behind the Drew Hamilton Houses on a recent Monday afternoon. In the incident, a woman was also injured as she attempted to flee the gunfire. Emergency Medical Services transported both victims to Harlem Hospital, where Thomas was pronounced dead upon arrival. The woman is currently in stable condition.

The New York Police Department is investigating the incident; as of now, the shooter remains at large, and the motive for the attack has not been disclosed. Community members and family are grappling with the aftermath of this violent event, reflecting on Thomas’s life and the challenges he faced.

According to his former foster mother, Adrienne Carroll, Thomas was raised in a loving home in the Bronx, but his inclination towards the streets often led him back to Harlem, despite the family’s efforts to provide him with stability. Carroll conveyed a sense of heartbreak over his death but indicated that she was not completely surprised, given Thomas’s history of troubled behavior.

Thomas entered the foster care system at the age of 13 after his mother lost custody of him. He lived with Carroll and her family until he turned 18 and aged out of the system. Carroll described her attempts to offer him a nurturing environment, noting how he frequently ran away from home, prompting her to file reports with the police to locate him. She expressed her deep concern and care for Thomas, emphasizing his intelligence and artistic talents, which he seemingly neglected in favor of street life.

Post-foster care, Thomas faced significant legal challenges. In 2013, he was arrested for attempted murder and other charges after allegedly firing a weapon into a crowd, which resulted in a conviction and a sentence of eight years in prison. He was released on parole in 2020, with that parole ending in 2023.

During his incarceration, Thomas pursued his General Educational Development certificate and focused on honing his artistic skills. Carroll recounted a poignant moment when she received a package from him containing his artwork, which she felt unable to open following his death.

The community is left mourning the loss of a promising individual whose life was tragically cut short, underscoring larger issues of violence and the struggles faced by those who navigate life in a challenging environment.