Long Beach Man Gets 25 Years To Life In Prison For 2023 Fatal Shooting

MINEOLA, NY — A Long Beach man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for firing six rounds and killing a man in Long Beach two years ago, prosecutors announced.

Ronnie Sutton, 52, was convicted on August 19 of second-degree murder. He was previously convicted of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.

“Ronnie Sutton’s attack on Shawn Usher was relentless and merciless in nature. Shawn ran for his life, and instead of walking away, the defendant chased him down. After firing multiple rounds at the victim, Ronnie struck him in the head with his weapon as he laid dying on the ground,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

On the night of April 7, 2023, Sutton was riding his bike through the Sycamore Court parking lot in the Channel Park Homes in Long Beach, prosecutors said. He rode past the victim, 33-year-old Shawn Usher, who was standing in a parking lot next to his vehicle.

Sutton and the victim engaged in a verbal argument and Sutton pulled a gun out of his jacket and fired at Usher, Donnelly said.

As the victim ran, Sutton gave chase and continued to shoot, even as Usher fell to the ground. Sutton fired six rounds, striking the victim five times, the D.A.'s office said.

After Usher was shot and fell to the ground, Sutton pistol-whipped him in the head. Sutton then got on his bike and rode away, prosecutors said.

Sutton hid the weapon in a bush on the side of a house on East Market Street. The gun was recovered by members of the Long Beach Police Department a few days after the shooting, Donnelly said.

Usher suffered several gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot that pierced his lung and heart, prosecutors said.

“What this defendant did was beyond comprehension, and my prosecutors saw that justice was served with his conviction and sentence. Ronnie Sutton’s wanton violence and complete disregard for human life have no place on the streets of Nassau County, and I will ensure these violent offenders are held responsible for their crimes," Donnelly added.

Sutton is represented by attorney Gregory Madey, who Patch attempted to reach for comment.