9-27-07

MINEOLA – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a jury has found Rasheed Watson, 22, of Paterson, New Jersey, guilty of assault, robbery, burglary and weapons possession in connection with a September 2006 home invasion that left a nine-year-old boy blind in one eye. Rice says that her office will recommend that Mr. Watson receive the maximum sentence, 25 years in prison, at his October 29 sentencing.

The trial began on September 4. After hearing from nearly 30 witnesses during the trial, the jury deliberated for two days before reaching their unanimous verdict.

Mr. Watson is the second defendant convicted in connection with the home invasion involving three men. In July, Tyreek Williams, 22, of Starrett City, Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to assault, robbery, burglary and weapons possession. Mr. Williams was sentenced to serve 21 years in prison by Nassau County Court Judge Jerald Carter.

After the verdict, Rice said that she expects that exceptional police work and her refusal to plea bargain these cases will lead to an arrest and a conviction of the last, yet-to-be apprehended suspect in this case.

“This case is everyone’s worst nightmare,” said Rice. “Armed robbers breaking into your home, late at night, with guns drawn and your family inside the home…these cases are a top priority and we will continue to hold these defendants accountable for what they have done. It is only a matter of time before the last suspect is apprehended and is held accountable for what he’s done to this family and this child.”

Rice said that on September 23, 2006, at approximately 11:10 P.M., an armed robbery occurred at 47 West End Avenue in Inwood. Three men, two of whom were armed with handguns, entered the home of Albert and Nora Aloisi through an unlocked front door. Once inside the home, the perpetrators ordered the occupants of the home to their knees and demanded that they turn over all of their valuables. As the incident unfolded, Albert Aloisi, who was in his bedroom in the rear of the house at the time the incident began, retrieved his licensed .357 caliber revolver, stepped into the hallway of the house and confronted the perpetrators. Two other occupants of the home then attempted to force Rasheed Watson out of the home through the front door. As Mr. Watson attempted to push his way back into the house, he fired multiple shots into the living room, striking Mr. Noor Mayan in the left arm and striking John Henry Romano, a nine-year-old boy, in the eye. Both shooting victims survived the attack. The third perpetrator, who has yet to be apprehended, jumped out of the first floor window during the shootout. The perpetrators were able to flee the scene after the shooting occurred.

Police recovered from the scene numerous teeth and pieces of a jawbone left behind by Tyreek Williams. A black Nike size 11 right sneaker was also recovered on the sidewalk outside of the home.

A short time after the incident, Mr. Williams was dropped off at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn with gunshot wounds to the face, left thumb and left leg. He was missing numerous teeth and part of his jawbone. The defendant was admitted to the hospital wearing one black Nike size 11 left sneaker.

Mr. Williams was arrested October 5, 2006, and charged with robbery, assault, burglary, and weapons charges.

Rasheed Watson was arrested in Paterson, New Jersey, on January 10 and charged with robbery, assault, burglary, and weapons charges.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Walsh, of the Major Offense Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Anna Acquafredda, of the County Court Trial Bureau, are handling the case for the District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Williams is being represented by Darren Fields, of Brooklyn. Mr. Watson is being represented by Greg Madey, Esq., of Mineola.

Watson Found Guilty of Home Invasion, Shooting

Jury finds triggerman guilty in Inwood home invasion that blinded 9-year-old boy