A federal judge in Westchester County, New York, has approved a US$9.6 million award to Nadine McKenzie, the mother of 13-year-old Shamoya McKenzie, who was fatally shot in a gang-related incident in Mount Vernon in 2016. The award aims to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
According to the judgment, McKenzie is awarded US$1,750,000 in compensatory damages against David Hardy, Marquis Collier, Jermaine Hughley, and Sincere Savoy, jointly and severally. This is in addition to US$2,625,000 in punitive damages against David Hardy and US$1,750,000 each in punitive damages against Marquis Collier, Jermaine Hughley, and Sincere Savoy, for a total of US$9,625,000.
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Following 28 USC in 1961, post-judgment interest is computed from the moment the clerk of court enters judgment until the payment date.
In relation to the murder of the defenseless teenager on New Year’s Eve in 2016, the four guys are presently serving hefty jail terms.
Reports state that competing gang members started firing at one other while Nadine McKenzie was driving with her daughter, a budding basketball star. Shamoya was killed when a gunshot struck her head and impacted the rear windshield of their vehicle.
Following a federal magistrate’s recommendation, McKenzie sued the four men for wrongful death. Additionally, she brought a $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon, which was settled in confidence.
McKenzie said in November of last year that he hoped the prize would send a strong message that those who commit such great atrocities will be held accountable.
“You will not kill someone and get away with it,” she said.
Shamoya, who wanted to play for the institution of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Team and then the WNBA, was recognized posthumously by the New York Knicks and the institution.
In her honor, the Shamoya McKenzie Foundation was founded to recognize exceptional community leaders and give scholarships.
“The award is the highest in Westchester’s history for a young person,” said Stephen Drummond, McKenzie’s lawyer.
A total amount of US$9,625,000, including post-judgment interest, was recommended by Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause on November 12, 2024, after an inquest and damages hearing for Shamoya McKenzie’s conscious agony and suffering.
US$7,875,000 in punitive penalties and US$1,750,000 in compensatory damages were recommended and allocated to the defendants.
David Hardy, Marquis Collier, Jermaine Hughley, and Sincere Savoy were the only four defendants against whom the court had previously rendered default judgment as to responsibility. The case was then submitted to Judge Krause for an inquiry.
