Javone Sims, an 18-year-old male, was fatally shot on June 22, 2023, in the backyard of a residence on Third Street in Albany, New York. In the same incident that claimed Sims' life, a 17-year-old was also critically wounded. The shooting was one of three fatal shootings that occurred in Albany over a four-day span, prompting concern from city leaders.
Initially, police had promising leads but had not made any arrests in what they described as a targeted killing.
The investigation led to Eric Chapman, who was 20 years old at the time of his plea. Chapman had a history with the criminal justice system, with arrests for various offenses starting from the age of 12. His prior charges included weapon possession and robbery. Despite his history, some of his earlier cases were handled in Family Court. Before the murder trial was set to begin, Chapman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Javone Sims.
Just days before his trial was scheduled to commence, Eric Chapman admitted his guilt in court. He pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree before Albany County Court Judge Andra Ackerman. As a result of his plea, Chapman faced a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. This sentence for the murder of Javone Sims was set to run concurrently with sentences he received for two separate weapon possession convictions. Chapman was also injured during the shooting in which Sims was killed.
