A suspect wanted for mistakenly killing a beloved Harlem grandmother with a stray bullet surrendered to cops Monday morning, a police official said.
Ricky Shelby showed up with a lawyer at the Manhattan district attorney’s office and was then taken to the 28th Precinct stationhouse, near where the shooting happened, to be processed, police sources said.
Barry Williams/ New York Daily News
NYPD Crime Scene officers collect evidence on Lenox Ave. near W. 113th St. on Wednesday, the day after Excenia Mette was fatally struck by a stray bullet. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
Shelby, 23, was charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly opening fire last Tuesday night on Lenox Ave. near W. 113th St.
“Our detectives worked tirelessly to identify and track this suspect and ensure justice is served in this horrific murder,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Family Handout
Harlem grandmother Excenia Mette, 61, was fatally shot last Tuesday night on Lenox Ave. near W. 113th St. (Family Handout)
Police say Shelby shot and wounded his intended target, Darious Smith, 23, but a stray slug hit 61-year-old Excenia Mette in the head, killing her.
“This man had a complete disregard for human life, and it cost a family — and our entire city — an innocent grandmother,” Mayor Adams said. “I am grateful he is finally off our streets and can no longer hurt another innocent New Yorker again. Let this be a lesson to anyone who seeks to wreak havoc in our city: our officers will find you and bring you to justice.”
The accused killer opened fire after Smith shot at him, according to prosecutors. Smith, struck in the foot, took off on an electric scooter. Police chased him down and nabbed him a few blocks away.
Mette was caught in the hail of bullets, according to Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson. She had stepped out of a hair salon to check on her grandson after hearing a commotion outside. The grandson was not involved in the clash.
Judge Louis Nock ordered Shelby, who was dressed in a black jacket, black pants and white shirt to be held without bail at his Manhattan criminal court arraignment Monday afternoon. Dozens of Shelby’s family members were present in the courtroom and shouted “We love you” as he was being led out of the courtroom by officers. He’s due back in court May15.
Shelby has one prior arrest from an incident in 2020 where he was charged with criminal possession of a loaded weapon. The case was settled as a misdemeanor, sources said.
Mette was a longtime member of the National Action Network and former owner of Momma Zee’s Food to Plez on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd,, which she said was the first woman- and Black-owned bodega in New York City since 1987.
Originally Published: April 28, 2025 at 11:50 AM EDT
