By Sadef Ali Kully
A community activist was found fatally shot inside a vehicle Wednesday around 12:30 in the afternoon on 167th Street near Linden Boulevard in St. Albans, police said.
Jerwaine Gorman, 34, from Rosedale was discovered inside a 2011 Mercedes Benz with a gunshot wound to the torso by officers from the 113th Precinct, authorities said.
Emergency Medical Services responded and taken the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gorman, married with two daughters and one son, was very involved with the community as a volunteer with the Rosedale Jets, a youth football team, and as a member of the South East Queens Young Democrats, according to its website.
An entrepreneur, Gorman earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and owned several properties and businesses in southeast Queens.
On the day of the incident, City Councilman Richards Donovan (D-Laurelton) posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, “Another young man taken from us too early. Jerwaine Gorman was the first brother I met who who owned a business in his twenties, 8 yrs ago. More importantly he was a father, husband, and positive young black male in our community. He also was a member of my church and dedicated coach for the Rosedale Jets where he mentored young men in our community. His death stings and angers me, but I understand God determines all. We have to stop killing each other.”
Jacques Leandre, president of the Rosedale Jets Association, said that people who take time to volunteer with the Rosedale Jets, know that a community football team keeps the youth off the street and out of trouble.
Leandre left a message of shock and dismay on his Facebook page.
“Still trying to wrap my mind around the senseless murder of our dear Coach Gorman. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. He was the epitome of a youth football coach. He understood what we do as coaches was much bigger than the game of football, but should be used as a vehicle to instill the virtues of life into young impressionable minds. My son had the tremendous opportunity to be mentored by Coach Gorman, who led his team to 2 Undefeated Super Bowl Seasons. Now, we have to explain the inexplicable to a whole host of young people who were deeply impacted by Coach Gorman’s love, compassion, and discipline. Coach Gorman — Your powerful legacy will endure through time.”
-Police determined that the shooter walked up to the vehicle and fired one shot at the victim in broad daylight.
According to a source, a woman was in the vehicle who said a hooded man come out from near an abandoned home, fired and then fled the scene on foot.
Police have not identified the woman, who was sitting in the driver’s seat. She was not injured.
Authorities said Gorman had a criminal history but did not disclose any details.
No arrests had been made of Friday as the investigation continued.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
