You are reading

LIC Resident Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Gunning Down Man at Ravenswood Houses in 2018

A Long Island City resident was sentenced to 17 years in prison Tuesday for fatally shooting a 29-year-old man in the courtyard of the Ravenswood Houses NYCHA complex, pictured, in Astoria nearly four years ago (Photo: Google Maps)

Feb. 15, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

A Long Island City resident was sentenced to nearly two decades in prison Tuesday for fatally shooting a 29-year-old man in the courtyard of the Ravenswood Houses NYCHA complex in Astoria nearly four years ago.

Shahid Burton, 21, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty in November 2018 to manslaughter. He was also sentenced to five years post-release supervision.

Burton, who is from the Queensbridge Houses on Vernon Boulevard, was 17-years-old at the time of the killing.

“The sentencing of this defendant does not make up for the senseless loss of life due to gun violence, but it is our hope that the family can find some solace in the resolution of this case and the punishment imposed by the court,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

According to the charges, Burton fired multiple shots into Jelan Moreira from behind as the victim walked through a courtyard during the early hours of Aug. 26, 2018.

Video surveillance of the killing shows Burton – and an unapprehended man – approach Moreira from behind at around 5:30 a.m. as he walked through the Ravenswood Houses complex, located on 21st Street between 35th and 36th Avenues.

Burton is then seen blasting Moreira multiple times in the torso and chest, according to the charges. Moreira, who also lived in Queensbridge Houses, died as a result of his injuries.

No motive for the attack has been given.

Burton was nabbed by police in March 2019 after he was caught by a transit cop turnstile jumping at a Jamaica subway station. The officer discovered Burton was wanted in connection with the 2018 killing.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 
Liberals are soft on crime.

17 years for a premeditated murder in cold blood? How is this manslaughter?

Life is cheap.

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.