Gunman convicted of murder for killing gang member in front of girlfriend and fleeing the U.S.

A 42-year-old man was found guilty of murder following the fatal shooting of a gang member outside a bodega in Queens, New York, an incident witnessed by the victim’s girlfriend. The verdict was delivered after approximately two hours of jury deliberation, with Damion Howell convicted of both murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the August 5, 2022, shooting of 29-year-old Julian Askew.

Prosecutors from Queens stated that the events leading to the tragic incident began when Howell attempted to flirt with Askew’s girlfriend inside the bodega. After she rejected his advances, Howell engaged in a heated argument with Askew, which escalated into violence. About thirty minutes later, Howell returned to the bodega, now wearing different clothes, and confronted Askew outside. In a moment of conflict, Howell produced a .40 caliber handgun and shot Askew in the torso.

Askew was subsequently rushed to Jamaica Medical Center, where he was treated for severe injuries that resulted in paralysis from the waist down. He endured months of suffering before succumbing to complications related to the gunshot wound on November 14, 2022. According to the victim’s family, blood clots that developed in his legs ultimately led to an aneurysm.

The shooting took place shortly after 1 a.m. in Jamaica, as both the victim and the perpetrator walked away from the bodega together. The incident was reported to authorities when Askew’s girlfriend, who had followed the two men, witnessed the shooting and promptly called 911.

Following the incident, Howell fled the scene in a vehicle driven by an accomplice. He left the United States for the United Kingdom shortly after the shooting and returned nine months later, at which point he was apprehended by law enforcement officials at JFK Airport on May 10, 2023.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz highlighted the gravity of Howell’s actions, stating that the crime stemmed from his inappropriate behavior and culminated in a senseless act of violence that left Askew paralyzed. Howell is scheduled for sentencing on September 9, facing potential penalties ranging from 25 years to life in prison.

The case sheds light on the broader issue of gun violence in urban settings, as expressed by Askew’s family during the trial. Howell had a previous arrest record dating back to 1999, while Askew had also faced several charges in the past, including robbery and weapons possession. The ramifications of this shooting resonate deeply within the community, prompting a discussion on the pervasive issue of gun violence.

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