A Long Island City man will spend a decade and a half behind bars for a fatal shooting near the Ravenswood Houses that happened four years ago.
Chaz Reyes, 31, of 36th Avenue, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing an alleged rival before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder in May. On Wednesday, Sept. 1, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, according to court records, at around noon on July 16, 2017, Reyes was walking near a bus stop at the intersection of 36th Avenue and 21st Street in Astoria when he encountered Tyrell Smith.
Smith was riding a bicycle, and Reyes — armed with an illegal gun — fired multiple shots in Smith’s direction. Three shots ripped into the victim’s chest, according to authorities.
Reyes ran from the scene and into a nearby apartment building. Smith was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, according to charges.
“In pleading guilty, the defendant has admitted to killing a perceived rival when the victim happened to pass by him on a bicycle in broad daylight,” Katz said. “Without regard for human life, the defendant fired multiple shots at the victim, who was near a bus stop and various businesses, in the middle of the day. The victim was killed, but anyone in the area could have also been shot. The defendant has now been sentenced by the court for his actions.”
