On a summer evening celebrating the Fourth of July in 2014, the life of 19-year-old Scott Wright Jr. was tragically cut short in Binghamton, New York. A recent graduate of Binghamton High School, Scott was known for his love of football and his kind, humorous nature. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend, with a bright future that included plans to attend Broome Community College.
The fateful events unfolded at a holiday party at the Town and Country Apartments.
An altercation broke out, and though Scott was not directly involved in the initial dispute, he became an innocent victim of the violence that followed. Another young man, Andre Lee, who had been part of the earlier conflict, left the party feeling slighted after being teased by some of Scott's friends. In a senseless act of retaliation, Lee returned to the gathering armed with a gun.
In the ensuing chaos, Andre Lee fired the weapon, and Scott Wright Jr. was struck by a bullet. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on July 7, 2014. The community was left in shock, mourning the loss of a young life full of promise.
The investigation into Scott's death led to the arrest of Andre Lee. He was charged with second-degree murder and other felonies. During the trial, the prosecution maintained that Lee's actions were intentional, a direct result of his anger. The defense, however, argued that the shooting was a tragic accident. After deliberating, the jury found Andre Lee guilty of second-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. The conviction was later upheld by an appeals court, solidifying the legal conclusion to a case that brought so much pain to the Binghamton community.
