In the early morning hours of October 22, 2023, the life of 42-year-old Leroy Chisom, a Black male, was tragically cut short in Schenectady, New York. Police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment on State Street around 6:49 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Chisom on the second floor, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Later that same day, after an intensive investigation that utilized witness statements and extensive city surveillance networks, authorities zeroed in on two suspects. Kevin Dingle, 31, and Jeffrey Bashaw, 54, both residents of Schenectady, were located at a Crane Street apartment. Following a standoff with police, both men surrendered and were taken into custody. They were subsequently charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation revealed a connection between Chisom's murder and a non-fatal shooting that had occurred just twelve days earlier at the same State Street address. Authorities believe Chisom was targeted due to his association with individuals involved in the prior incident. Surveillance footage captured Dingle and Bashaw visiting the victim of the earlier shooting at a local hospital both before and after Chisom was killed.
In August 2024, Kevin Dingle pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. As part of a plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to an indeterminate term of 20 years to life in prison. Jeffrey Bashaw, facing the same charges, is awaiting trial.
