On the evening of July 7, 1988, in New York City, Senior Court Clerk Alphonso B. Deal, a 42-year-old Black/African American male, tragically lost his life in an act of immense bravery. At approximately 11:10 PM on West 140th Street, Deal witnessed a man being shot and robbed of his bicycle and courageously intervened to aid the victim.
As he attempted to apprehend the assailant, the suspect turned his weapon on Deal, firing and inflicting a mortal wound.
Despite his severe injuries, Deal managed to return fire, striking the suspect five times and wounding him. He was rushed to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The 27-year-old suspect was subsequently taken into custody. Following legal proceedings, he was convicted of murder for the death of Alphonso Deal and received a life sentence in prison. He will reportedly become eligible for parole in the year 2033. Alphonso Deal had served with the New York State Office of Court Administration for 16 years, and his heroic actions on that fateful night remain a testament to his character and dedication.
