Accused Times Square shooter scoffs at plea deal
The teen accused of shooting a newlywed US Marine in Times Square in June scoffed at a plea deal offered to him in Manhattan court Monday.
Avon Darden, 16 — who allegedly hit tourist and Marine Samuel Poulin in the back while aiming at a street performer — shook his head “no” as an assistant district attorney read the offer in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Prosecutors said they were prepared to agree to seven years behind bars for Darden on two charges: attempted assault in the first degree and weapons possession in the second degree.
But Darden — who stood cuffed during the arraignment dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt — refused.
He faces more than 25 years in prison if found guilty of all the raps currently against him: attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.
The suspect, who did not turn around to look at his family in the courtroom, has pleaded not guilty in the June 27 shooting.
The teen is accused of opening fire in the tourist destination during a feud with a street performer. One of the bullets ricocheted and hit Poulin in the back.
