Two men have entered guilty pleas in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Timothy Parker in East Harlem, a case that highlights the ongoing issues of drug-related violence and illegal firearm use plaguing the community. Shaun McClam, 41, and Luis Roman, 29, made their pleas in connection with the 2022 murder, as stated by the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.
According to an announcement from the Manhattan District Attorney's office, McClam and Roman were involved in a dispute with the victim over drug sales. McClam's guilty plea includes Murder in the Second Degree and Conspiracy in the Second Degree, leading to an expected sentence of 20 years-to-life. Roman pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Second Degree, with an expected sentence of 13 years.
These pleas come as an outcome of a violent act that the D.A. described as "carrying out a coordinated and deadly act of violence." In a statement by District Attorney Bragg, mentioned in the District Attorney's office release, Bragg emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and vowed to sustain efforts with law enforcement and local leaders in safeguarding communities from similar threats.
The fatal incident occurred after Haynes, allegedly involved in a drug dispute with Mr. Parker, solicited help from McClam and Roman while incarcerated. McClam and Roman prepared for the attack meticulously, including surveillance and obtaining a firearm which led to the tragic event on October 25, 2022. Following the murder, both defendants exchanged celebratory messages, as told by the D.A.. “Shaun McClam and Luis Roman have been held accountable for carrying out a coordinated and deadly act of violence that tragically cut short Timothy Parker’s life," said District Attorney Bragg according to the same announcement.
The prosecution of the case is being managed by Assistant D.A.s Daniel Makofsky and Sean Flatow, with Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo providing supervision. Recognized for their contribution to the case were major case analysts and detectives from the NYPD, indicating the collaborative effort leading to these convictions. This includes the integral work of Sergeant Tyler Conner, William Dunn, Edward Stackpole, and Paul Pastorini from NYPD's various squads.
While McClam and Roman await their sentencing next month, the case against the co-defendant Terrence Haynes remains unresolved and is noted as open and pending by the District Attorney's office. In the face of a crime that has shaken the local community, the outcomes of these pleas send a decisive message against the violence that has too often disrupted the peace of NYCHA residences.
