Man sentenced for killing ex-girlfriend’s uncle at Long Island party without provocation.

A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend’s uncle during a backyard party on Long Island. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on July 18, 2021, which has since been described by prosecutors as a shocking act of violence.

Paulin Cerisier, 29, was found guilty by a Suffolk County jury on June 11, 2025, of second-degree murder and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Cerisier approached the victim, Maresse Dickerson-Stevenson, during the party in Amityville and shot him in the shoulder without any provocation. Following the heinous act, Dickerson-Stevenson was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, and Cerisier fled the scene.

After evading law enforcement for nearly three years, Cerisier was arrested in July 2024 at a hotel in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Subsequent to his arrest, he was indicted the following month on charges related to the shooting.

During the trial, the prosecution characterized Cerisier’s actions as a “cold-blooded, unprovoked attack,” a description reiterated by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in a press release. The case has drawn significant attention due to its violent nature and the apparent randomness of the attack on an innocent individual during a social gathering.

Following the official sentencing, District Attorney Tierney commented on the importance of justice for the victim’s family, acknowledging that while the sentence cannot restore life to Dickerson-Stevenson, it serves to uphold accountability for such tragic acts of violence. He emphasized the ongoing challenge of community safety and vowed to continue working with law enforcement to ensure strong prosecution of those involved in similar crimes.

Cerisier will also face five years of post-release supervision following his prison term. The case highlights issues related to gun violence and the impact of such crimes on community safety, reiterating the need for continued efforts to combat violent offenses. The conviction and sentencing reflect a commitment to ensuring justice is served for victims of senseless acts of violence.

This case remains a somber reminder of the consequences of violence in society and the efforts needed to prevent future tragedies. The community continues to mourn the loss of Dickerson-Stevenson and advocates for measures to curb such incidents in the future.

This report is based on information provided by Media News Source.