'Guilty': Jury Convicts Philadelphia Man Of 2022 Dutchess County Murder For Hire

BEACON, NY — The triggerman in a murder-for-hire plot has been convicted of murder by a Dutchess County jury.

The Dutchess County District Attorney's Office announced that the jury convicted 24-year-old Khyree Pratt, of Philadelphia, of felony first-degree murder, felony second-degree murder, felony second-degree conspiracy, and felony criminal possession of a weapon.

"This verdict sends a clear message, those who plot violence and those who carry it out will be held fully accountable," DA Parisi said. "This defendant and shooter, along with every conspirator who played a role in this calculated and cold-blooded murder, will face the consequences of their actions. Justice does not stop with the trigger — it reaches everyone behind the plan."

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The jury found that on May 14, 2022, around 7 p.m., at a West Center Street and Forrestal Heights apartment complex, in Beacon, Pratt "aided, abetted and acting in concert with others, knowingly possessed a loaded firearm and pointed the gun at the victim, Lionell Pittman, and fired a shot striking him in the head causing his death. The defendant committed the killing pursuant to an agreement with others and collected money as compensation for his participation in the murder."

Pratt's sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 24.