On a cold December morning in Schenectady, New York, the life of Wayne Best Jr., a 25-year-old male, was tragically cut short. On December 9, 2014, Best was shot in the chest and killed in front of his Parkwood Boulevard home during what was later determined to be an attempted robbery. An avid BMX biker, skateboarder, and lacrosse player, Best was remembered by friends and family as a charismatic and well-liked individual.
For a time, the investigation into his murder presented a
challenge to law enforcement, with few initial leads. However, persistent police work eventually led to a breakthrough in the case. The investigation revealed a plot orchestrated by a supposed friend of Best.
Authorities ultimately arrested three men in connection with the fatal shooting. One of the men, Todd Macon, who was 29 at the time of his arrest, was a Facebook friend of Best and had even attended his funeral and signed the guest book. Investigators determined that Macon had set up the robbery. He, along with Christopher Johnson, then 25, were initially charged with second-degree murder. The investigation further identified Troy Saunders, also known as 'Mac' or 'Jack,' as the man who pulled the trigger.
The ensuing legal proceedings brought the details of the night of Best's death to light. It was revealed that Macon had remained in a getaway car while Saunders and Johnson carried out the robbery, during which Saunders shot Best. In exchange for their testimony against Saunders, both Macon and Johnson entered into plea deals. Johnson pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. Macon also testified against Saunders and received a 15-year prison sentence for his role in the crime.
Troy Saunders chose to represent himself at his trial, which spanned three and a half weeks. In February 2017, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, robbery, weapons charges, and conspiracy. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
