Medford NY
4-04-2024 7:01pm

**Two gang members face charges in the shooting of an 8-year-old on Long Island, according to the District Attorney.**

This incident serves as a stark example of **the havoc and danger** that gangs inflict. According to the **District Attorney**, **two gang members** have been **charged** in connection with the **shooting** of an **8-year-old** on **Long Island**. Meanwhile, one lawyer contends that his client's case relies on **circumstantial evidence**.

**Two alleged Gorilla Stone Blood Gang members**, **Anthony Pena** of **Coram**, and **Ersen Kumas** of **Middle Island**, have been **indicted** on **assault** and **weapons-related charges**. They are accused of **firing multiple illegal handguns into a Medford residence** in **July 2023**, resulting in the **injury of an 8-year-old boy** who was sleeping on the couch. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to address gang violence and ensure the safety of our communities¹.

**Anthony Pena**, aged **22**, from **Coram**, and **Ersen Kumas**, aged **19**, from **Middle Island**, face **indictments** related to **assault** and **weapons offenses**. They allegedly **discharged several illegal handguns into a residential property** as retaliation for a **gang-related shooting** that occurred earlier that day. During that prior incident, rival gang members had targeted **Kumas**. The case underscores the urgent need to address gang violence and protect our communities.

**Michael Franzese**, the attorney representing **Ersen Kumas**, asserts that the prosecution's case relies on **circumstantial evidence**. Such evidence, while indirect, can still play a significant role in legal proceedings. It will be crucial for both sides to present their arguments effectively during the trial.

**"There really is no direct evidence linking him to the case,"** he said, **adding that he just received the evidence a day or two ago and that there is still work to be done.**

In July 2023, **Ersen Kumas** and **Anthony Pena**, both allegedly affiliated with the **Gorilla Stone Bloods**, a subset of the **Bloods**, faced a violent incident. On July 25, 2023, members of a rival gang reportedly targeted Kumas in **Middle Island** due to his association with the Gorilla Stone Bloods. The shooting was allegedly in retaliation for an earlier gang-related incident on the same day. During this subsequent incident, Kumas, Pena, and others allegedly drove around the **Medford** area, armed with multiple illegal weapons, seeking to retaliate against rival gang members. At approximately 1:26 a.m., they allegedly fired multiple shots into a residence on **Cedar Avenue**, inadvertently striking an **8-year-old child** who was sleeping inside. The child suffered a graze wound and was promptly taken to **Stony Brook University Hospital** for treatment. Suffolk County Police Officers responded to the scene and discovered ballistics damage within the home, including the living room, kitchen, and a child's bedroom. The consequences of gang rivalries can have long-term effects on innocent bystanders, as exemplified by this tragic incident¹.

 **Ersen Kumas** was fortunate not to sustain injuries during the shooting incident. The ongoing investigation by prosecutors will likely shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this violent event. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the impact of gang rivalries and the potential harm they can cause to innocent individuals. Let's hope that justice prevails and that steps are taken to prevent further violence in our communities.

On the night of July 25th and into the early hours of July 26th, **Ersen Kumas**, **Anthony Pena**, and their associates reportedly cruised through the **Medford** vicinity, armed with **multiple illegal weapons**. Their alleged mission: to seek out rival gang members and retaliate for the earlier shooting incident involving Kumas. The situation underscores the dangerous consequences of gang violence, as they actively sought retribution in the darkened streets. The ongoing investigation by prosecutors will hopefully shed more light on this perilous chain of events and its impact on the community.

At approximately **1:26 a.m.**, **Ersen Kumas**, **Anthony Pena**, and an unidentified third individual reportedly journeyed to a residence on **Cedar Avenue**. Allegedly armed with **three distinct firearms**, they unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the home. Tragically, during this violent incident, an **8-year-old child**, who was asleep inside, was struck in the back. The gravity of such actions reverberates far beyond the immediate moment, leaving lasting scars on innocent lives. The legal proceedings will hopefully bring justice and accountability for this senseless act of violence.

**Ersen Kumas** and **Anthony Pena** face serious charges related to their alleged involvement in the violent incident. These charges include:

1. **Attempted Murder**: Allegedly firing multiple shots into a residence, which resulted in an **8-year-old child** being struck in the back while sleeping inside.
2. **Illegal Possession of Firearms**: Carrying and using **three different firearms** during the shooting.
3. **Gang-Related Offenses**: Their affiliation with the **Gorilla Stone Bloods**, a subset of the **Bloods**, may also lead to additional charges related to gang activity.

The legal proceedings will determine their guilt or innocence, and the consequences of their actions will be decided by the court. The impact on innocent lives underscores the gravity of such criminal acts. Justice must prevail for the sake of the child and the community affected by this tragedy.

The legal process for handling gang-related crimes involves a combination of state and federal legislation, law enforcement efforts, and judicial proceedings. Here are some key aspects:

1. **Legislation and Definitions**:
- **State and Federal Laws**: **52 jurisdictions**, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and the United States (U.S.), have enacted legislation related to gangs. These laws define gang-related terms, prevent gang violence, reduce gang involvement, and suppress gang-related crime¹.
- **Gang-Related Terms**: **45 jurisdictions** have laws that explicitly define gang-related terms¹.
- **Prevention and Suppression**: **41 jurisdictions** have laws aimed at preventing gang violence and reducing gang involvement¹.
- **Penalties and Fines**: **51 jurisdictions** provide for penalties, fines, or damages for gang-related criminal acts¹.

2. **Investigation and Apprehension**:
- Law enforcement agencies investigate gang-related criminal activity, gather evidence, and identify suspects.
- **Data Reporting and Sharing**: **46 jurisdictions** have provisions for data reporting or sharing related to criminal gangs or gang-related activity¹.

3. **Prosecution**:
- Prosecutors use specialized techniques to handle gang cases, including understanding gang mentality, preserving witness testimony, and proving collective guilt².
- Gang-related evidence is used to build cases against individuals involved in gang crimes³.

4. **Charging Decisions**:
- Prosecutors consider gang-related evidence when making charging decisions.
- Gang-specific offenses may include attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and other gang-related crimes.

5. **Court Proceedings**:
- Defendants face trial in court, where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and legal arguments are made.
- Sentencing decisions take into account the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors.

6. **Sentencing and Rehabilitation**:
- Convicted individuals receive sentences based on the charges and applicable sentencing guidelines.
- Rehabilitation programs may be offered to reduce recidivism and address underlying issues.

7. **Community-Based Efforts**:
- Community organizations, schools, and law enforcement collaborate to prevent gang involvement through education, outreach, and intervention programs.

Remember that the legal process varies by jurisdiction, and each case is unique. Effective handling of gang-related crimes requires a comprehensive approach involving legislation, law enforcement, and community engagement⁶.

If you have any information related to this incident, please consider reaching out to the **Suffolk Police Department**, the **District Attorney's Office**, or **Crime Stoppers**. Crime Stoppers operates a confidential police hotline at **1-800-220-TIPS**. Your assistance could be crucial in helping law enforcement investigate and address this matter. Remember that your anonymity will be respected, and your information may contribute to ensuring justice and safety in the community.

**Crime Stoppers** plays a crucial role in facilitating the connection between the public and law enforcement agencies. Here are key aspects of its role:

1. **Anonymous Reporting**: Crime Stoppers provides an **anonymous link** between community members and the police. People can submit information about crimes or criminals without fear of reprisal or exposure¹.

2. **Encouraging Tips**: By offering a safe and confidential platform, Crime Stoppers encourages individuals to come forward with **critical information** related to unsolved crimes, wanted individuals, and criminal activities. Citizens become active participants in crime prevention².

3. **Cash Rewards**: Many Crime Stoppers programs offer **cash rewards** for valuable tips. These rewards serve as an incentive for people to share information that can lead to solving serious cases. Notable criminals have been apprehended due to anonymous tip-offs facilitated by Crime Stoppers¹.

4. **Media Appeals**: Crime Stoppers leverages media channels, including television reconstructions, to raise awareness and appeal for information. Media appeals can assist in solving crime, especially in severe cases¹.

5. **Relationship with Police**: Unlike direct interactions with law enforcement, Crime Stoppers maintains a **strong relationship** with the police. This collaboration ensures that critical information reaches the right authorities, contributing to investigations and arrests¹.

6. **Guaranteed Anonymity**: The organization's **guaranteed promise of anonymity** allows individuals to share information without fear. While this confidentiality protects informants, it also limits public knowledge of the extent of Crime Stoppers' impact in solving crimes¹.

In summary, Crime Stoppers bridges the gap between community members and law enforcement, empowering citizens to play an active role in maintaining safer communities while preserving their anonymity³..

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