N.Y.C. Man Who Killed Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend in Front of Kids Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison

A New York City man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend after her Harlem baby shower in September 2021.

On Thursday, April 3, a judge sentenced Justin Soriano, 43, to 40 years to life in state prison for the death of Shanice Young, 31, and her unborn child, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.

She was eight months pregnant at the time of her death.

“Justin Soriano will serve state prison time for viciously murdering Shanice Young on what should have been a joyous and memorable occasion and celebration,” District Attorney Bragg said in a statement. 

“Soriano committed this horrific shooting in front of four children, including Ms. Young’s own daughters, who helplessly watched their mother die right before their eyes. The trauma Ms. Young’s family and loved ones have experienced continues to be felt today and my thoughts remain with them as they continue to heal,” Bragg said. 

“I hope the significant sentence imposed today serves as a measure of justice for this tragic and abhorrent act of violence,” his statement concluded. 

According to the D.A.’s office, between 1:00 a.m. and 1:16 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2021, Young was returning home from celebrating her baby shower with family and friends when the tragedy unfolded. 

The expectant mother was accompanied by her two daughters, ages 15 and 6, her 31-year-old male friend and his two daughters, ages 7 and 1, and her male cousin. 

As they were unloading the gifts she received from loved ones just hours before, Soriano arrived on a motorcycle, while wearing all black clothing, a face covering and latex gloves and armed with a loaded firearm. 

After chasing his ex-girlfriend’s new companion around the apartment with the loaded weapon, Soriano went back to the front of the building.

Young’s kids were sitting in the car while she stood outside of the vehicle, trying to reason with Soriano.

The DA’s office said Young asked Soriano why he was doing this, and instead of responding, he repeated her question and began firing into her face at close range. 

By the time first responders arrived, Young appeared to show no signs of life. She was taken to a hospital where she and her unborn child were pronounced dead.

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Soriano fled the scene after the shooting. He was found and arrested in the Bronx on Sept. 16, 2021.

He was found guilty on all counts, including murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, among other charges.