Alleged gang member charged with killing of Crown Heights teenager

On Wednesday, an alleged Brooklyn gang member was charged with murder in the fatal shooting in February that left 13-year-old Troy Gill dead.

The defendant, identified as Jared “Jah Woo” McCauley, 21, is accused of killing the young teenager during a drive-by shooting in Crown Heights. The incident allegedly occurred as McCauley and an accomplice sought revenge against rival gang members.

“As alleged, these defendants committed a vendetta that took the life of a young boy,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “This type of senseless gang violence takes too many lives, including children, and my office, along with the NYPD, is focused on solving each and every one of these shootings and holding those who committed them accountable. I commend everyone who worked on this complex investigation and hope today's indictment will bring some relief to Troy's loved ones.”

McCauley and his co-defendant, Sheik Koureichi, 21, have both been charged in the case. Koureichi was previously arraigned on July 29. Both men were remanded in custody and were not granted bail. They are scheduled to appear in court on August 16.

The tragic shooting occurred on the evening of February 29, 2024. Gill, who was on his way home after a Brooklyn Nets basketball game, was allegedly shot by the defendants near Bergen Street and New York Avenue. The 13-year-old managed to call his mother to inform her of the attack before being taken to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds to his back and arm.

Prosecutors allege the shooting was part of a larger retaliation. Later that evening, the defendants drove to East New York, where they allegedly fired several shots at the front door of a rival gang member's residence.

This second shooting was reportedly in response to the earlier kidnapping and attack of McCauley, a rapper associated with the Woo gang, which was recorded and posted on social media.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Daniel Stern and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bolin of the District Attorney's Office's Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Stewart, Kathryn Spota and Jennifer Cilia, and Bureau Chief Alfred DeIngeniis.