An Astoria man faces up to 25 years to life in prison after allegedly shooting a 51-year-old man in front of a Flushing motel last summer, prosecutors announced.
Robert “Laz” Sasso, 35, was charged on Wednesday with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to a fatal shooting on July 27 that killed Richard “Rick” Brown, a Long Island resident, according to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said.
According to prosecutors, video surveillance shows Sasso allegedly getting off a motorcycle and approaching Rick Brown outside of a motel on Linden Place at around 11:30 p.m. Sasso then engaged the victim in conversation.
During the conversation, Brown bent down to tie his shoe when the defendant allegedly reached into his waistband, pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot into the victim’s head. According to law enforcement sources, the perpetrator then fled the scene on the motorcycle.
Brown was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Sasso is being held without bail and is ordered to return to court on Aug. 8. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life.
“Gun violence has no place in a civilized society,” the Queens District Attorney said. “The defendant in the case, was having an argument with the victim, and allegedly settled the dispute with a single gunshot to the right side of the man’s head when he bent down to tie his shoe. If convicted, the defendant will be locked away to protect the public.”
