Man convicted of 2015 East New York murder receives life sentence

December 20, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Perez was walking with friends to a Memorial Day barbecue. Cruz fired multiple shots at Perez’s 22-year-old friend, prompting the group to flee. Photo: SianStock/Adobe Stock

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A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for a fatal 2015 shooting in East New York, a case that faced delays and complexities, including a mistrial before prosecutors secured a conviction.

David Cruz, 33, of Bushwick, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on Wednesday for the fatal shooting of William Perez, 34, in East New York, Brooklyn. The sentence, handed down by Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo, follows Cruz’s conviction of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

“Today’s sentence brings the defendant to justice for a reprehensible act of violence,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “It should also send a strong message that shooting guns in our streets cannot and will not be tolerated and that my office is committed to holding to account anyone who commits crimes that ruin lives and jeopardize public safety in Brooklyn.”

The intersection of New Lots and Shepherd Avenues in East New York, where David Cruz fatally shot William Perez in 2015. Screenshot via Google Street View

The fatal incident occurred on May 25, 2015, as Perez was walking with friends to a Memorial Day barbecue in East New York. According to trial evidence, the group encountered Cruz and two associates near the intersection of New Lots and Shepherd Avenues. Cruz fired multiple shots at Perez’s 22-year-old friend, prompting the group to flee.

As Perez turned back toward the scene, Cruz pursued him and fired a single shot into his back with a .40-caliber pistol. Cruz then fled the area, discarding the weapon in the yard of a daycare. Perez was rushed to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cruz was arrested in 2018 following an investigation. A previous trial ended in a mistrial before his conviction in Nov. 2024.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond, with oversight from Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.