A Red Hook man was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on Wednesday for the June 2020 shooting of 27-year-old Elvin Fernandez who was awaiting the birth of his first child.
David Gorham, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on Dec. 6, following a jury trial. Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Raymond L. Rodriguez handed down Gorham’s lengthy sentence on March 6.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said he hoped Fernandez’s family will find a measure of solace with Wednesday’s sentence.
“The life of Elvin Fernandez, a young man expecting the birth of his first child, was cruelly and senselessly cut short when the defendant shot and killed him in cold blood. My heart goes out to Mr. Fernandez’s family and friends,” Gonzalez said.
According to prosecutors, Gorham was waiting outside of the Red Hook Houses at 484 Columbia St. on June 1, 2020 when he saw Fernandez ride past in the backseat of a car.
He then proceeded to wait inside a nearby candy store while Fernandez and his pregnant girlfriend exited their vehicle. Gorham walked over to the couple, pulled out a handgun and fired once, striking Fernandez in the head.
Prosecutors said they later determined that a friend of Gorham had been feuding with Fernandez’s girlfriend.
Fernandez was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist where he remained in critical condition before dying of his wounds three weeks later on June 24.
Immediately following the shooting, Gorham went into a nearby building, changed his clothing, and fled the area. Police later arrested him on June 18 following an investigation.
