Suspect ID'd In Harlem Shooting That Killed Father Of 2: Police

HARLEM, NY — More than a year after a 26-year-old father was shot to death on a Harlem street, police this week named a Georgia man as the suspect.

Javier Colon, 28, of Fairfield, Ga., is accused of fatally shooting Deshawn Gaddy on March 11, 2021 on the corner of Lenox Avenue and West 139th Street, police said.

Shortly before 10 p.m. that evening, a large group of people were standing on the corner when Colon got into an argument with them, took out a gun, and fired it multiple times, hitting two people, police said.

One of the victims, a 25-year-old man, was shot in the leg and walked into Harlem Hospital in stable condition, police said.

Gaddy, who lived just a few blocks away, was shot in the chest and taken by private means to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

An online obituary for Gaddy describes him as a NYCHA equipment operator, lover of dancing and shopping, an avid amateur football player, and a "dedicated father" of two young children — who were "the most important part of his life."

"He also was a problem solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at work and home," the obituary reads. "He was a protector for those he loved."

Colon fled the scene in an unknown vehicle after the shooting, police said. Police described him as having dark-colored eyes and dark hair.

Authorities asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.