Two men have been convicted for their roles in a violent, multi-shooter gunfight that left a pregnant woman dead during an Albany boutique opening party, cbs6albany.com reported.
A Celebration Turned Lethal
The violence erupted on October 21, 2021, inside a gathering at 211 State St. celebrating the launch of a local hair salon and boutique. Prosecutors detailed how the venue quickly devolved into a war zone when rival gang members clashed. Shanita Thomas, whom prosecutors stated was pregnant, lost her life in the crossfire. At least 29 rounds were discharged during a chaotic exchange that witnesses estimated lasted up to a full minute. Two other individuals sustained gunshot injuries, with one suffering severe wounds.
Investigators established that the bloodshed stemmed from a feud played out on social media. Raa’Jiem Coleman arrived uninvited at the party specifically to confront members of a rival faction. In the ensuing legal proceedings, a jury convicted Coleman of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to the evidence presented in court, Coleman opened fire on Marcell Perry and Terrance Anthony, both identified as members of the rival group. Anthony and Perry immediately returned fire, while another participant, Vramir Branch, also discharged multiple rounds. Coleman and Perry both sustained gunshot wounds during the chaotic exchange.
The Verdicts and Pending Sentences
Following the trial, a jury found Marcell Perry guilty of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Coleman now faces a severe judicial penalty of up to 65 years to life in prison. Perry faces a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars.
Legal accountability for the remaining participants unfolded through guilty pleas ahead of the trial verdicts. Vramir Branch and Terrance Anthony both previously admitted to their criminal involvement in the shootout. Branch is slated to receive a 10-year prison sentence, while Anthony faces 12 years.
Branch and Anthony will appear for sentencing on December 18. Meanwhile, Coleman and Perry will learn their final punishments on January 15, 2027.
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