(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of defendant Javier Soto, who is accused of shooting the uncle of a woman whose baby shower he attended in September.
“A baby shower should be a joyous occasion celebrating the coming of new life. Here, the defendant allegedly risked lives and shot a party guest with an illegal firearm,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, someone was seriously hurt and now the defendant will face justice for his alleged senseless act.”
According to the investigation, on September 3, 2022, at approximately 7 p.m., police were called to a home in Bay Shore after Soto, 16, allegedly shot the expectant mother’s uncle who was also a guest at the party. Based upon the investigation, while the families were attending the baby shower celebration in the backyard, a fight allegedly broke out in the front yard. The uncle, along with the expectant mother’s parents, rushed to the front of the house where they witnessed another relative being physically assaulted by several other party guests, including the alleged shooter’s girlfriend. The fight was broken up by the guests, who remained in the front yard.
A few minutes later, Soto allegedly returned to the front yard and shot the uncle at close range two times. One bullet struck the man’s leg causing serious injury which required emergency surgery. The teen was arrested the same day.
Soto is charged with Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
At his arraignment on the indictment today, the Honorable Karen Kerr ordered Soto held without bail. He is being represented by Joseph Hanshe, Esq. and is due back in court on November 14, 2022.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Anne E. Davis of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.