Middle Village, Queens – A man previously wrongfully convicted in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl is now facing charges in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man in Middle Village, Queens, according to authorities on Tuesday.
Dante Hunter and Shamel Capers have been charged in the shooting death of 19-year-old Joshua Taylor in July 2023. Hunter faces a murder charge, while Capers faces a charge of attempted murder in Taylor’s death.
The incident took place on July 23 at 79-28 Metropolitan Ave, where Taylor was shot and killed. An altercation initiated by a drink thrown towards Capers and his friend led to a heated argument before escalating into a deadly shooting.
After joining Capers, Hunter allegedly pulled out a gun which resulted in a four-way shootout. Unfortunately, Taylor was caught in the crossfire and fatally shot by Hunter.
Hunter was already in custody on a parole warrant when he was indicted for Taylor’s death. On the other hand, Capers was arrested in New Jersey and extradited. Surveillance footage and credit/debit card usage helped police locate Capers in connection with the shooting.
If convicted, Hunter faces up to 25 years to life in prison, while Capers faces up to 25 years in prison. Capers had previously spent eight years in prison for the murder of 14-year-old D’aja Robinson before being exonerated in 2022.
Capers was one of two men convicted in Robinson’s death, but evidence later proved that the other man was the sole shooter. The case sheds light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the consequences of wrongful convictions.