MANHATTAN — The man accused of shooting and killing aspiring chef Jordan Barber, 18, after a basketball tournament at Rucker Park in June was indicted on second-degree murder charges on Wednesday, according to the Manhattan District Attorney.
Demetrius Washington, 19, allegedly fired shots into a crowd standing outside of the Polo Ground Houses at 2391 Frederick Douglas Blvd., hitting Jordan Barber, 18, in the neck and wounding two other teens.
“A day of recreation and games turned into a heartbreaking nightmare for family and friends of Jordan Barber,” District Attorney Cy Vance said in a statement Wednesday.
The DA's office has pledged about $101 million to improve security at city public housing, including better lighting.
Barber was standing with friends outside the houses after the Entertainers Basketball Classic when another group of about 30 approached them.
Words were exchanged and Barber stepped in between the two crowds to try to calm the situation, according to his family.
Shots then rang out and Barber fell to the ground. His mother, brother and cousin ran over, with the young man telling his mom “I love you" as he lay dying on the ground.
Washington, who was captured on surveillance video and identified by multiple witnesses, denied being involved in the shooting, according to court documents.
“I was at Rucker Park. I didn't do anything,” Washington told investigators on July 8 inside the 32nd Precinct, court papers read.
Washington was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, authorities said.
He has five other arrests and has previously been charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana possession.
His lawyer declined to comment.
