Suspected ‘Hoolie’ Gang Member Charged in Relation to Toddler’s Fatal Shooting in Brooklyn

Authorities in New York City charged a suspect on Wednesday believed to be connected to the fatal shooting of a toddler boy who was struck by a stray bullet while attending a cookout party with his family in Brooklyn last summer.

The funeral program for 1-year-old Davell Gardner Jr. sits on a table at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in New York City, on July 27, 2020. Scott Heins/Getty Images

Authorities in New York City charged a suspect on Wednesday believed to be connected to the fatal shooting of a toddler boy who was struck by a stray bullet while attending a cookout party with his family in Brooklyn last summer, police announced Thursday.

Dashawn Austin, 25, was taken into custody on charges that include murder and attempted murder for allegedly shooting and killing 1-year-old Davell Gardner on July 12, 2020, an incident that sent shockwaves throughout the state.