Suffolk Woman Indicted After Reportedly Stabbing Ex To Death: DA

BAY SHORE, NY — A Bay Shore woman was indicted Monday after reportedly stabbing and killing her former love interest, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Nikeya Barker, 44, of Bay Shore, was indicted on a second-degree murder charge after she reportedly killed Shurvell Rush, 47, of Central Islip, the DA said.

According to the investigation, on May 3 at around 6:45 p.m., Suffolk County Police responded to the parking lot of Railroad Plaza in Bay Shore where they discovered Rush's body with a stab wound to the chest.

Rush was transported to South Shore University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, Tierney said.

Suffolk County police collected surveillance videos from surrounding businesses and residences; that recovered video footage allegedly depicts Barker, with a large knife in her hand, following
the decedent into the parking lot, where his body was ultimately discovered by police, the DA said.

The recovered footage further allegedly depicts Barker discarding that same knife in bushes just feet
away and then fleeing the scene, Tierney said.

Barker, who had previously dated Rush, reportedly confronted him at the Bay Shore train station moments before the stabbing about an incident that occurred during the course of their prior relationship, the DA said.

Barker then followed Rush to a complex of town houses adjacent to the train station, where she is alleged to have stabbed him in the parking lot, Tierney said.

A large knife with what appeared to be blood was recovered from the crime scene, in the patch of bushes where surveillance video had reportedly shown Barker discarding it, the DA said.

On May 6, Barker surrendered to the Suffolk County Police Department’s homicide squad, Tierney said.

On Monday, Barker was arraigned on the indictment before Acting County Court Judge James McDonaugh on a second-degree murder charge, a Class A felony, the DA said.

Judge McDonaugh ordered Barker remanded without bail during the pendency of the case; Barker is due back in court on July 2 and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted, the DA said.

She is represented by George Duncan and Robert Macedonio.

"We entered a plea of not guilty," Macedonio said. "They have a long history, and when the facts and circumstances come out surrounding this incident, I'm sure we will be able to reach a resolution."

"This case represents a disturbing instance of interpersonal violence that ended in tragedy," said Tierney. "We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and seek justice for the victim."