Syracuse, New York – A 27-year-old man was convicted of second-degree murder by an Onondaga County jury on Thursday for the fatal shooting of an 11-month-old infant while she was in a car.
Jesse Outley faced charges of murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the tragic incident that occurred in April 2021. At that time, two women were driving with their young children in the backseat when gunshots rang out. Tragically, 11-month-old Dior Harris lost her life in the shooting, while an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old sustained injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, Chavez Ocasio, was apprehended shortly after the shooting but waited two years before disclosing Outley’s involvement to the authorities. Ocasio eventually testified during the trial, shedding light on the events leading up to the heartbreaking loss of young Dior Harris.
Ocasio, who had also faced charges in the case, entered guilty pleas last year to second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, further complicating the legal proceedings surrounding the incident. The jury dedicated almost three days to carefully consider the evidence and testimony presented throughout the trial.
The conviction of Outley brings some closure to a community still grappling with the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a young child. The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on innocent individuals and families, prompting calls for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of Dior Harris and supports the families affected by the shooting, the outcome of this trial underscores the importance of accountability and justice in the face of such devastating events. The legal process may be over, but the memory of Dior Harris will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.