The man who allegedly shot up a Q111 bus in Jamaica was indicted on Jan. 18 and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, according to a statement from the Queens District Attorney’s office.
Damel Burton, 34-year-old, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree attempted murder for a shooting spree that ended on a bus in Jamaica. He faces 25 years to life in jail.
“This defendant’s alleged actions have forever altered the lives of his victims and their families,” said District Attorney Richard Brown, “He is accused of shooting his first victim in the sanctity of his own home and then terrorizing a city bus filled with passengers as he allegedly shot two more victims—one fatally. These are serious crimes that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The indictment sites his spree on Dec. 2 between 3:40 and 4:10 p.m. when Burton allegedly shot his girlfriend’s 18-year-old son, Keith Murrell, in an apartment at 163-11 Foch Blvd. in Jamaica.
Police say Burton then fled the apartment and boarded the Q111 bus where he shot a random commuter, Marvin Gilkes, 36, in the back of the head.
Burton then shot a third man, who survived, in the mouth. The third victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital and underwent surgery to his mouth and face.
Burton reportedly told police he would have shot more people on the bus if his gun had not jammed.
He is also facing one count of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Burton has been held without bail since his criminal court arraignment on Dec. 3 and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation earlier this month.
An arraignment on this indictment has not been scheduled yet.
By Jeremiah Dobruck
j.dobruck@theforumnewsgroup.com
