In the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, a family who had moved from Egypt in search of a better life found themselves enveloped in a tragedy that would irrevocably alter their lives. Youssef Soliman, a 15-year-old boy, was fatally shot on the afternoon of February 8, 2018. The young man had just stepped off a city bus near Beach Channel Drive and Beach 47th Street when he was tragically gunned down only eight blocks from his home. He sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and abdomen. Despite being rushed to Long Island Jewish Northwell Children's Center, Youssef succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Youssef's death quickly led to the identification and arrest of two teenage suspects from the Far Rockaway area. Petiri Edmond, who was 17 at the time, and 19-year-old Atekel Donaldson were taken into custody. Both were subsequently charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. While Youssef's parents believed their son's life revolved around playing basketball, investigators suspected the shooting was gang-related and that Youssef may have been associated with a street crew known as the 'School of Shooters'.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the legal process moved forward, bringing a measure of justice for Youssef's family. Petiri Edmond and Atekel Donaldson were both denied bail. In a significant development, Atekel Donaldson later pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree. He was subsequently sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an additional five years of post-release supervision. The outcome of the legal proceedings against Petiri Edmond is not as clearly detailed in the available information. The tragic death of Youssef Soliman and the subsequent court case underscored the devastating impact of gun violence on the community.
