A Bronx man is headed to state prison for 11 years after prosecutors say he opened fire outside a Morris Heights bodega in February 2023, a burst of gunfire that left a 46-year-old woman paralyzed from the waist down. The sentence was handed down in Bronx Supreme Court after the defendant pleaded guilty in December to attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to News 12 The Bronx, 40-year-old Ferraud Francis received six years for attempted murder and five years for criminal possession of a weapon, along with five years of post-release supervision on each count. That adds up to 11 years behind bars and 10 years of supervision. Prosecutors say the terms stem from a plea entered on Dec. 9, 2025, with sentencing taking place on Feb. 19, 2026.
How prosecutors say the attack unfolded
Prosecutors say the shooting unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2023, after Francis allegedly watched a dispute inside a bodega, then stepped outside and fired multiple shots at a couple as they left. The 46-year-old woman was struck in the leg and abdomen and is now paralyzed from the waist down, while her 49-year-old partner was not injured. "The defendant opened fire on a busy sidewalk after watching a dispute involving the victim inside a bodega," Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, as reported by News 12 The Bronx.
Court outcome and next steps
Francis pleaded guilty and was sentenced following a Bronx court hearing on Feb. 19, 2026. The case was prosecuted by the Bronx District Attorney's Office. For other recent actions from the office, see the Bronx District Attorney's Office.
Impact
The shooting left the victim with life-changing injuries and highlighted prosecutors' focus on shootings in public spaces. Court records will note any additional orders tied to the sentence, including restitution or victim services referrals.
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