Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Khalik Berry was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2021 murder of 33-year-old Kayron Wilson in Long Island City. Wilson and his girlfriend were seated in a Mercury Milan on 40^th Avenue when Berry, who was with another man, approached the car and opened fire. Wilson was hit seven times and died from his injuries.

District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant fired a gun seven times into the back, abdomen and arms of 33-year-old Kayron Wilson, killing the young father in cold blood. After this completely senseless act, the defendant left the jurisdiction and was ultimately apprehended a month later in Virginia. I have been remarkably clear – my office will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who use guns in our communities.”

Berry, 35, of Virginia, was convicted by a jury in February of murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Trial openings took place on February 10 and summations occurred on February 27. The jury deliberated for a little more than an hour on February 27 before returning a verdict. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky sentenced Berry yesterday to 25 years to life in prison.

According to the charges and trial testimony, just after midnight on May 10, 2021, Berry, who was originally from Queens, along with another man approached Kayron Wilson as he sat in the front passenger seat of a vehicle parked on 12th Street and 40^th Avenue in Long Island City. Wilson’s girlfriend was in the driver’s seat. Berry shot the 33-year-old victim seven times in the back, abdomen and arms. Berry’s accomplice also pointed a gun at Wilson’s vehicle, but no shots were fired.

Both men then entered a nearby parked vehicle and fled.

Wilson was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Berry was apprehended in Virginia in June 2021 and returned to New York to face charges.

Senior Assistant District Attorney John Esposito of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau prosecuted the case with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn Gaskin under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys, John Kosinski, Bureau Chief, Karen Ross, Deputy Bureau Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark.