Brooklyn Man Found Guilty Of Murder For 2019 Shooting Death

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A Brooklyn man was found guilty of murder Tuesday for the shooting death of a man in Hempstead in 2019.

James Wilson, 38, was convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is due back in court for sentencing on May 24, and faces up to life in prison.

“There is no dispute that James Wilson intended to kill Matthew Gilreath, after firing six shots in rapid succession – two aimed directly at the victim’s face and head – as they argued in the doorway of 100 Terrace Ave.,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and that Wilson will be held accountable for this 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 guys 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.

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.