QUEENS — A second man has been convicted of murder in the May 2013 death of a 14-year-old girl who was struck in the head by a stray bullet while riding a city bus in South Jamaica, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced Wednesday.
Shamel Capers, 19, of Brooklyn, faces up to 15 years to life in prison, after he was found guilty of murder and criminal possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.
On May 18, 2013, D’aja Robinson, who attended Campus Magnet High School in Cambria Heights, just left a Sweet 16 party and boarded a Q6 bus on Sutphin Boulevard, near Baisley Pond Park, when Capers began firing multiple rounds from a handgun in the direction of the bus.
His accomplice, Kevin McClinton, 25, then grabbed the gun from him and continued firing rounds. One of the bullets pierced the bus window and struck D’aja in the head.
The teen was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, but could not be saved.
Police said at the time that D'aja was the unintended victim of a gang dispute.
“D’aja Robinson was a talented young girl who did not deserve to have her life cut short by the senseless actions of the two defendants found guilty of her murder,” Brown said in a statement.
“Hopefully, D’aja’s family can find some closure and solace in knowing that the persons responsible for taking her young life have now been held accountable and are no long a threat to society,” Brown added.
McClinton, of Queens, was convicted of murder last year and is currently serving 40 years to life in prison.
Capers will be sentenced on July 19, according to the Queens DA’s office.
Last year, the street where D’aja was killed was named in her honor.
