In the small village of Ellenville, New York, the life of 39-year-old Gerald Keith Richardson was cut short on the night of June 29, 2021. Known fondly as Keith to his friends and family, he was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: reading, riding his motorcycle, and above all, spending cherished moments with his loved ones. His sudden and violent death, just two days shy of his 40th birthday, sent ripples of shock and grief through the community.
The tragic events unfolded
near Berme Road Park, where what was initially reported as a hit-and-run accident was soon discovered to be a homicide. First responders found Richardson lying in the roadway, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics to render aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was a result of the shooting.
The investigation into Richardson's murder quickly led law enforcement to a person of interest: Dominic Naquan King, also known as 'Domo.' Authorities believe King met with Richardson at the park to discuss a dispute that had occurred between their family members earlier that day. Moments after their meeting, King allegedly drew a. 45-caliber pistol and shot Richardson three times. In the immediate aftermath, King, who was on parole at the time, fled the state of New York, sparking a lengthy manhunt.
For over a year, King remained a fugitive, eventually being named one of New York State's most wanted criminals. The search for him extended across the country, and in August 2022, he was apprehended in Los Angeles by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Following his arrest, King was extradited back to New York to face charges for Richardson's death.
Initially indicted on charges of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, Dominic Naquan King ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in the first degree. In exchange for his plea, he was sentenced to 16 years in state prison. While the gun used in the shooting was never recovered, authorities did find a loaded handgun in Richardson's possession, though it was determined that it had not been fired during the fatal encounter. The resolution of the case brought a measure of closure to a community shaken by the senseless loss of a father, son, and friend.
