Teen Fugitive Arrested in NYC Shooting That Killed Walker-Using Grandmother After Firing 15 Rounds
New York, NY – A teenage fugitive was apprehended Thursday after a brazen daylight shooting that tragically claimed the life of a 69-year-old grandmother using a walker. The suspect, 18-year-old Faisil McCants, allegedly fired 15 rounds from a machine gun, striking the innocent victim during a chaotic incident on the East Side.
The fatal shooting unfolded on August 27 at 12:25 p.m. near East 110th Street and Madison Avenue, where victim Robin Wright was struck in the face by a stray bullet and later died at Mount Sinai Morningside. Authorities linked the shooting to a failed marijuana robbery, underscoring the senseless nature of the violence.
The Arrest and Charges Against Faisil McCants
The apprehension of McCants was the result of a coordinated effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the NYPD Violent Gang Task Force, and the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. McCants was taken into custody days following the shooting, ending his time as a fugitive from justice.
He now faces serious federal charges, including:
- Hobbs Act robbery, which could bring up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Possession of a machine gun, carrying a sentence ranging from 30 years to life behind bars.
“As a result of this defendant’s allegedly ruthless and utterly reckless violence, an innocent victim was gunned down in broad daylight while simply going about her daily life,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “New Yorkers deserve better—full stop.”
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred shortly after McCants and an accomplice confronted a drug dealer at East 109th Street and Madison Avenue, snatching backpacks containing marijuana. During the chase, McCants allegedly pulled out a black machine gun and fired 15 rounds while fleeing north on Madison Avenue and then turning towards East 110th Street.
Instead of hitting the intended target, stray bullets fatally wounded Robin Wright, who was standing on the sidewalk with her walker. Her tragic death underscores the collateral damage caused by reckless gun violence affecting innocent bystanders.
Community Impact and Personal Stories
Wright was known in her neighborhood for her resilience, actively walking as part of her recovery from vein surgery.
Juanita Arnold, a close friend who accompanied Wright for a walk the day she was shot, shared heartbreaking details:
“She was looking for [her] grandson to walk with her, to go get lunch. She wanted some exercise. She was rehabilitating herself and getting strength back in her legs… I will walk with you to go get your lunch. And that’s what we did. She never made it back but I did.”
Another neighbor, Sonya Hampton, recounted being present during Wright’s last moments: “I was just coming from the store and I heard the gunshots. I turned around to see where the bullets landed and she was on the floor.”
Arnold expressed the community’s grief and frustration over the unnecessary loss, stating, “This was not necessary. That lady should’ve never died like that.”
NYPD Response and Broader Context of Rising Youth Violence
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the arrest and emphasized the department’s commitment to removing illegal firearms from the city’s streets.
“Removing illegal firearms from our streets remains at the forefront of the NYPD’s public safety mission, and we will continue to ensure that those who carry them are held accountable,” Tisch said.
McCants’ criminal record is extensive, starting from his juvenile years. Authorities noted that he was previously arrested for attempted murder related to a non-fatal shooting in March 2023, along with being a suspect in multiple other robberies and shootings.
This arrest follows a surge in gun violence involving younger offenders, with Mayor Eric Adams recently highlighting the growing trend:
“We’re seeing shooters becoming younger and younger. We’re seeing the direct results of some of the laws that we have passed—some of the actions, both in Albany and in the City Council.”
For more detailed coverage on this tragic event and investigation, see the original report at New York Post.
Looking Ahead: The Fight Against Youth Gun Violence
The arrest of Faisil McCants marks an important step in addressing the wave of gun violence impacting New York City’s neighborhoods. With a growing number of young suspects involved in deadly shootings, city officials and law enforcement agencies face increasing pressure to implement effective strategies to curb violent crime.
- Strengthening youth outreach and intervention programs.
- Enhanced enforcement of illegal firearms possession laws.
- Community engagement to support victims and prevent retaliation cycles.
Ensuring public safety while addressing the root causes of youth violence remains a critical challenge for New York policymakers and law enforcement.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about the rise in youth-involved gun violence in New York City? Have you been affected or know someone impacted by similar incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!