NYPD makes second arrest in July 4 Brooklyn double murder; suspect had fled to Georgia
The second of two shooters blamed in a July 4th deli bloodbath that left two dead and a third wounded was busted in Georgia, police said Saturday.
Dayshawn Vaughns, 22, was tracked to a home in Columbus, Ga., by the NYPD’s Violent Felony Squad. He was taken into custody there on Wednesday.
Cops brought the Queens resident back to New York late on Friday. He is charged with murder.
Vaughns and another gunman opened fire at a group of people at a deli on Loring Ave. near Drew St. in East New York, Brooklyn, about 11:35 p.m. on July 4, police said.
Sulaiman Odunfa, 21, was struck in the head and died at the scene.
Amir Green, 19, shot in the neck, was rushed by medics to Brookdale University Hospital, where he later died. The third victim, an 18-year-old man, was struck in the upper body and survived.
Prosecutors allege that before the shooting, Vaughns and the other gunman, Malachi Kirkland, argued with the three victims. Vaughns shot Odunfa while Kirkland shot both Green and the surviving victim, police said.
Kirkland was nabbed at the scene. Police found him hiding in a back room when they arrived. He was ordered held without bail at his arraignment and is being held at Rikers Island.
Vaughns ran off. By the time cops identified him, he had already fled the state.
Officers recovered three guns at the scene.
Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related. Kirkland is a gang member, according to cops. Vaughns’ gang affiliation was not immediately disclosed.
Odunfa was a gang member, said police.
Green had no gang ties or arrest record, cops said. His family was devastated by his needless death.
“That’s my grandson. He was very sweet, he loved everyone. Graduated from high school, just started up college and working,” a woman who opened the door at a family member’s Brooklyn address told the Daily News at the time. “I’m drained, I’m just drained. It’s just too much crime.”
Green’s mom was too upset to talk to a reporter but in a Facebook post, she lamented her loss.
“I’m so broken,” she wrote. “What is life without my son!”
A woman who identified herself as Odunfa’s girlfriend posted photos on social media of the two embracing, with a long message declaring her love and grief.
“I really wish you can tell me this is a joke,” wrote the woman, who identified herself on social media as Kayla Lee.
“I love you soo much. I’m sooo sorry this happened to you. You didn’t deserve this. I wish I could’ve at least say goodbye and feel your touch one more time my love. Our 1 year anniversary is next Monday i really don’t know what Ima do without you.”
Vaughns’ arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court was pending Saturday.
The incident capped a violent holiday in which 21 people were shot in the city, three fatally, police said.
