NEW YORK — A Brooklyn ex-con turned himself into police Saturday, six months after he allegedly gunned–down a convicted drug dealer and wounded two others at the Juliet Supperclub in Chelsea last November, the NYPD reported.
Victor Walker, 47, long considered a suspect in the shooting, was charged with murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
Early on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 15, Walker is suspected of shooting Artis Arthur, 43, three times in the back with a .40-caliber handgun, NYPD sources said. He also reportedly shot Tracy Ryals, 28, who was left paralyzed, and Jonai Washington, 27.
Arthur had reportedly built a reputation for mugging club-goers, law enforcement sources told DNAinfo columnist Murray Weiss. Arthur and his entourage would frequent popular nightclubs in the city, and identify victims for them to rob once they left.
The crew typically focused on athletes, rappers and other celebrities — high-profile victims reluctant to go to the police because of the hassle and publicity, police said. Victims allegedly included rappers Busta Rhymes and Cam'Ron.
Arthur's murder at the Juliet Supperclub was intended to send a message, law enforcement sources said. More than 300 people were at the nightspot Nov. 15, including New York Giants members Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Aaron Ross, Antrel Rolle and Chris Canty, plus singer Estelle, and other NFL and NBA athletes.
Walker, an ex-con, was considered a prime suspect in the shooting as early as this winter. The NYPD and Manhattan District Attorney's Office said in February that they were searching for him.
The shooting occurred just two months after Upper West Side resident Christopher Adames, 23, was stabbed to death outside the Juliet. Club promoter Manuel "Manny Stax" Pinero, 41, was charged with the murder.
