2 Gang Members Convicted Of Killing Teen At Brooklyn Applebee's

BROOKLYN, NY — Two gang members were convicted of manslaughter for the fatal 2015 shooting of a teenager outside a Downtown Brooklyn Applebee's, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Thursday.

Malik Peters, 19, and Tyshawn Simon-Roberson, 18, fatally gunned down Armani Hankins, 16, and injured an 18-year-old man during a gang dispute outside the 395 Flatbush Ave. eatery, Gonzalez said.

"These defendants escalated a confrontation between two gangs into a deadly incident on a busy Brooklyn street," Gonzalez said in a statement. "Gang and gun violence is senselessly ruining the lives of too many young people and those who participate in such lawless behavior will be held responsible for their actions."

On Oct. 26, 2015, the Fort Greene-based "900" gang — which Peters and Simon-Roberson were members of — met up with the East New York's "4 to 5" gang near the restaurant.

The confrontation turned violent when Simon-Roberson took out a gun and shot the 18-year-old rival gang member in the leg, prosecutors said. As Hankins and his "4 to 5" crew chased after the "900" members, Peters shot the 16-year-old in the head, police said.

Hankins was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Simon-Roberson, of Downtown Brooklyn, was convicted of manslaughter, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon on Monday and Peters of the same charges on Thursday, Gonzalez said.

Peters could spend up to 55 years in prison for the shooting and Simon-Roberson faces up to 40 years for the crime, prosecutors said. They're both scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13.

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