In the early morning hours of Monday, August 23, 2021, the community of Wyandanch, New York, was struck by tragedy with the death of 20-year-old Alonte Shipp. A former standout football player at Wyandanch Memorial High School with dreams of reaching the NFL, Shipp was fatally shot outside his family's home on Lake Drive. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. during what police described as an altercation.
Shipp was reportedly sitting in a car with a female friend when the shooting took place. He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead.
The news of Shipp's death sent shockwaves through the Wyandanch community, where he was remembered as a talented and beloved young man. His former high school principal, Paul Sibblies, expressed his grief, remembering Shipp as a respectful and loving individual who had overcome much in his life to attend college. Shipp was a sophomore at Hudson Valley Community College, where he continued to play football. His family and friends remembered his vibrant personality and his dedication to the sport, with his aunt noting that 'football was in his blood.' A vigil was held at his former high school as the community mourned the loss of a promising life cut short. His family believes the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute over a girl.
In the days following the shooting, the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad launched an investigation. Their efforts led to an arrest on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Everette Aitcheson, a 22-year-old from North Amityville, was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. Aitcheson was initially charged with criminal possession of a weapon, with prosecutors indicating that additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continued.
