Brooklyn Man Gets 25 To Life For 2019 LI Murder

HEMSPTEAD, NY — A Brooklyn man was sentenced two weeks ago to 25 years to life in prison for a fatal 2019 shooting in Hempstead.

James Wilson, 38, was convicted in March of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced on Aug. 3 to 25 years to life in prison, as well as five years post-release supervision.

“James Wilson made the choice to resolve an argument with 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath with extreme violence – shooting him twice in the head,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “Wilson continued shooting as his victim’s limp body fell to the ground, ensuring that he had inflicted maximum damage. Now, with this prison sentence, Wilson has been held accountable for this brazen and senseless murder.”

According to Donnelly, around 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2019, 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath was standing in the doorway of 100 Terrace Ave. in Hempstead when he started arguing with Wilson. The two pulled out guns and fired at each other. Wilson shot Gilreath twice in the head, and continued to fire as his body fell to the ground. Wilson was shot in the abdomen.

After the shooting, Wilson's friend, 34-year-old Raphael Carter, took the gun from Wilson to his Hempstead apartment. The weapon was never found.

Gilreath was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Wilson was taken to NYU Winthrop Hospital, where he was treated for his gunshot wound.

Wilson was arrested on Feb. 18, 2019. Carter was arrested two days later.

On Jan. 30, 2020, Carter pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. He was sentenced in 2020. According to Newsday, he is now out on parole.