Alleged gang member indicted in Crown Heights shooting that killed 13-year-old

August 16, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The defendant is accused of killing the young teenager during a drive-by shooting in Crown Heights. Photo: SianStock/Adobe Stock

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An alleged Brooklyn gang member was arraigned on murder charges Wednesday in connection with a fatal February shooting that claimed the life of 13-year-old Troy Gill.

The defendant, identified as Jared “Jah Woo” McCauley, 21, is accused of killing the young teenager during a drive-by shooting in Crown Heights. The incident allegedly occurred as McCauley and an accomplice were seeking revenge against rival gang members.

“As alleged, these defendants went on a revenge spree that took the life of a young boy,” District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “This type of senseless retaliatory gang violence is claiming too many lives, including children and my office, along with the NYPD, is focused on solving each one of those shootings and holding those who commit them responsible. I commend everyone who worked on this complicated investigation and hope today’s indictment will bring a small measure of relief to Troy’s loved ones.”

McCauley and co-defendant Sheik Koureichi, 21, were both indicted in the case. Koureichi was previously arraigned on July 29. Both men were ordered held without bail and are scheduled to return to court on August 16.

The intersection of Bergen Street and New York Avenue in Crown Heights, where 13-year-old Troy Gill was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on Feb. 29, 2024. Screenshot via Google Street View

The tragic shooting took place on the evening of Feb. 29, 2024. Gill, who had been walking home after attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game, was allegedly shot by the defendants near Bergen Street and New York Avenue. The 13-year-old managed to call his mother to inform her of the attack before being rushed to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had sustained gunshot wounds to his back and arm.

Prosecutors allege that the shooting was part of a broader retaliatory act. Later that evening, the defendants are accused of driving to East New York, where they allegedly fired multiple shots at the front door of a rival gang member’s residence.

This second shooting was reportedly in response to the earlier kidnapping and assault of McCauley, a rapper associated with the Woo gang. That incident had been recorded and posted on social media.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel Stern and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bolin of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Stewart, Kathryn Spota and Jennifer Cilia, and Bureau Chief Alfred DeIngeniis.