Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the sentencing of ZYMIR HUMPHREY, 20, to 15 years-to-life in state prison for shooting and killing 21-year-old Brandon Atkinson on the Lower East Side in May 2022. On November 4, 2024, HUMPHREY pleaded guilty in New York Supreme Court to one count of Murder in the Second Degree.

"Zymir Humphrey shot and killed Brandon Atkinson in a cruel and vicious act of gun violence," said District Attorney Bragg. "Senseless cycles of retribution continue to fuel gun violence that destabilizes our communities and, far too often, results in the deaths of young New Yorkers. As Manhattan district attorney, tackling gun violence remains my top priority and we will continue working with our partners to trend the number of shootings and murders downward and remove dangerous, illegal firearms off our streets."

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, "Up the Hill" and "Down the Hill" were rival gangs operating on the Lower East Side.

In May of 2022, an associate of "Up the Hill" was the victim of a robbery and HUMPHREY, who was a member of "Up the Hill," believed that the rival gang was responsible. Mr. Atkinson, although an associate of "Down the Hill," was not part of the robbery.

As admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, on May 15, 2022, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Mr. Atkinson was at a deli near East 3rd Street and Avenue D. HUMPHREY traveled to the area, which was believed to be territory belonging to the rival gang, and shot Mr. Atkinson in the back of the head. Mr. Atkinson was pronounced dead at the hospital.

HUMPHREY fled the scene. He was arrested by U.S. Marshals in West Virginia in July 2022 and extradited back to the city.

Assistant D.A. Andrew Mercer (Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit) and Yuval Simchi-Levi (Trial Bureau 60) are handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Christopher Prevost (Deputy Chief of the Trial Division) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Patrick Sullivan is provided invaluable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detectives Luis Perez, Noel Alphonso, Lawrence Wein and Brian McCarthy. He also thanked Sergeant Frank Muirhead.

Defendant Information:

ZYMIR HUMPHREY

Martinsburg, WV

Convicted:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 15 years-to-life in state prison

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