SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A 27-year-old man in Onondaga County has been convicted of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of an 11-month-old baby while she was a passenger in a vehicle.
Jesse Outley was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a jury on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred in April 2021 when shots were fired at a vehicle carrying two women and their young children. Tragically, the gunfire claimed the life of 11-month-old Dior Harris, while an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old sustained injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, Chavez Ocasio, was arrested soon after the shooting but waited two years to disclose Outley’s involvement to authorities. Ocasio eventually testified during the trial, shedding light on the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
Ocasio had previously pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Following nearly three days of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict, holding Outley accountable for his actions that led to the death of a young child and the injury of others involved in the incident.
The conviction serves as a form of justice for the victims and their families, offering a sense of closure after a prolonged legal process. Outley’s sentencing will be the next step in the legal proceedings, determining the consequences of his heinous crime.
This case underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they result in such tragic consequences for innocent bystanders. The community hopes that this verdict will bring some solace to the affected families and serve as a reminder of the consequences of senseless violence.