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Teen Arrested in East Harlem Bystander Killing Faces Federal Machine-Gun, Robbery Counts

Prosecutors say he fired 15 rounds from a machine gun during a marijuana robbery, triggering a charge that carries a 30-year mandatory minimum.

Overview

  • Faisil McCants, 18, was arrested Thursday in a multi-agency operation and taken into custody during a probation check-in, authorities said.
  • He is charged in federal court with Hobbs Act robbery and using a machine gun during a crime of violence, while the NYPD filed murder and weapons charges.
  • Investigators say the gunfire followed the theft of backpacks containing marijuana from a man near East 109th Street and Madison Avenue.
  • A stray bullet struck Robin Wright, 69, in the face as she stood with her walker on East 110th Street, and she died at a hospital.
  • Surveillance footage and 15 recovered shell casings underpin the case, two alleged accomplices are being sought, and McCants is expected in federal court Friday.