Bushwick Murder In Nail Salon: Man Convicted In Fatal Shooting

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — A 29-year-old Bed-Stuy man was convicted of murder on Friday by a jury in federal court for fatally shooting a man in a Bushwick nail salon two years ago, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office said. Kenneth Bryant faces up to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Bryant and his friend were in a nail salon at 1165 Myrtle Ave. called Finest Nails on Oct. 23, 2014 at around 2:20 p.m. when Demetrius Mayo, the 28-year-old victim, walked into the salon with his two friends, according to trial testimony. An argument broke out between Mayo and Bryant's friend, which turned physical, and Bryant shot Mayo four times, killing him, the Brooklyn DA's office said.

"This defendant inserted himself into an argument and escalated it tragically, taking a man’s life and putting others at grave risk. He’s now been held accountable for his actions," Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

Bryant was arrested in Bridgeport, Connecticut in April 2015 after an eyewitness in the nail salon identified him as the shooter, and not long after that, he confessed to the shooting, the Brooklyn DA said. He is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 8.

Photo of nail salon via Google Maps