In the early hours of a Saturday morning in Rome, New York, the life of 25-year-old Thomas E. Shepherd, Jr. was tragically cut short. On August 19, 2017, police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Woodrow Avenue. Upon their arrival, they discovered Shepherd on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Rome Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to a suspect, 35-year-old Robert Coffin.
It was revealed that the fatal encounter occurred in the parking lot of a local tavern called Sammy G's. Witnesses reported that an argument had broken out between Coffin and Shepherd, which escalated to violence. Coffin was reportedly at the location attempting to reconcile with an ex-girlfriend when he was seen firing a. 380-caliber semi-automatic handgun at Shepherd. Immediately following the shooting, Coffin fled the scene, prompting a manhunt.
After being identified as the suspect, a reward was offered for information leading to Coffin's arrest. The search for him concluded in Las Vegas, where he was apprehended and subsequently extradited back to New York to face justice. Coffin was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
During his trial, Coffin took the stand in his own defense, claiming that the shooting was an accident and that his judgment was impaired by alcohol and drugs. However, the prosecution presented a strong case against him, which included surveillance footage and eyewitness testimony that contradicted his claims. After about two hours of deliberation, the jury found Robert Coffin guilty on both charges. He was later sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder and an additional 15 years for the weapon charge, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
