Waldemar Alverio, aged 38, has been sentenced to a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to a series of shootings in Tompkins Square Park in March 2024. The incidents, which were five days apart, resulted in two persons being injured, including a tourist who required surgery, as reported by Gothamist.
The first of the two shootings occurred when Alverio, after an altercation and subsequent attack by two men, retaliated by shooting as they fled the scene, striking one man and unintentionally injuring a bystander – a 53-year-old tourist. The second incident involved Alverio discharging his firearm at a group in the park, with the bullets damaging nearby apartment windows, but, fortunately, leaving no casualties. According to officials, police apprehended Alverio last Wednesday after identifying him from a wanted flyer.
Following his arrest, Alverio was convicted of three counts of attempted murder as part of his plea agreement. "Waldemar Alverio is facing accountability for a pair of shootings in Tompkins Square Park that injured two and threatened the safety of many other bystanders," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in a statement obtained by Fox 5 New York. Bragg emphasized the importance of public spaces like parks being safe environments and highlighted his ongoing commitment to combating gun violence and addressing its root causes.
Alverio's sentence includes 15 years of incarceration followed by five years of post-release supervision. Bragg added, "Combatting gun violence remains my top priority and we will continue to prosecute those who use illegal firearms, while also making investments in our communities to address the root causes of shootings." Attorney information for Alverio, was not immediately available at the time of reporting, as detailed by Fox 5 New York.
