A North Valley Stream man has been cleared of allegations that he fatally shot a 17-year-old boy in the victim’s hometown of Hempstead two years ago.
Pedro Merchant was found not guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder following a trial at Nassau County court.
Authorities had alleged the 22-year-old man shot and killed Dante Quinones on Dartmouth Street on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Community members and activists were so outraged by the shooting—one of several that year—that they organized local efforts to help prevent further violence before it happens.
The case also resulted in the arrest of six people for allegedly rioting at First District Court in Hempstead when Merchant first pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
