On a late Tuesday night in Schenectady, New York, the life of Fred Sherome-Shandell Gentry, a 48-year-old Black man known for his vibrant personality and entrepreneurial spirit, was tragically cut short. On May 19, 2020, at approximately 11:10 p.m., the sound of multiple gunshots pierced the night in the area of Victory Avenue. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a chaotic situation with two victims.
Gentry was found a short distance away at the intersection of Victory
Avenue and Catherine Street, suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. A 28-year-old woman was also found on Victory Avenue with a gunshot wound to her leg. Both victims were treated at the scene by paramedics. The female victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Gentry was rushed to Ellis Hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The investigation later revealed he had been shot multiple times. The barrage of bullets was so intense that one stray bullet penetrated a nearby home, narrowly missing a resident inside.
The Schenectady Police Department launched a homicide investigation into Gentry's death. Detectives processed the scene, placing evidence markers and interviewing potential witnesses. In the days following the shooting, the police department appealed to the public for any information regarding the incident. However, despite their efforts, the investigation proved to be challenging. While potential persons of interest were identified, no immediate arrests were made in the case.
The community mourned the loss of Gentry, a man who had already endured the pain of gun violence nearly a decade earlier with the shooting death of his nephew. His death sparked conversations within the community about the persistent issue of gun violence. As time passed, Gentry's case remained open, with no suspects publicly named or charged in connection with his murder. The lack of resolution has left a void for his family and friends, as the quest for justice in his untimely death continues.
