Brooklyn, NY — A Brooklyn court on Wednesday handed down a 40-year to life sentence to Boyce Hayward, 30, finding him accountable for a deadly rampage that concluded with the shooting of an NYPD officer. In May 2021, Hayward opened fire on a parked vehicle, killing one man, wound another, and later engaged police in a fierce gunfight in which he shot an officer.
The confrontation stemmed from an incident where Hayward approached a white 2015 BMW at the intersection of Madison St. and Broadway, and fatally shot 28-year-old Randall Roberts who was seated inside. Malik Lucas, the driver, sustained injuries. Soon after, Hayward clashed with officers near Saratoga Park where he fired upon NYPD Officer Brian McGurran, striking him in his bulletproof vest and buttocks. Although injured, the responders managed to subdue and apprehend Hayward.
This case was tried in Brooklyn Supreme Court, where Hayward faced several serious charges including murder and attempted murder. The jury found Hayward’s actions unequivocal following a careful review of video evidence and other foundational testimony.
During sentencing, the court heard poignant statements from affected families, further illuminating the gravity of Hayward’s crimes. Rose Vincent, Roberts’ grieving mother, expressed her enduring pain and anger over the loss of her son who, she remarked, was maliciously targeted while simply sitting in his car.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Schwartz emphasized the need for a substantial sentence, arguing for Hayward to be removed from society for his violent actions. “We must protect society from Boyce Hayward,” Schwartz stated in court. Despite the defense’s attempt to dispute Hayward’s involvement via claims of mistaken identity and disputing the logistics of the gunfire, the evidence was overwhelmingly against Hayward.
The prosecution had initially sought a harsher penalty of 75 years to life, advocating for consecutive sentencing due to the severity of the crimes, including Hayward’s prior felony convictions from 2015 and 2016. However, Judge Danny Chun ultimately decided on a 40-year to life term, denouncing Hayward’s irreverent behavior and the cold-blooded nature of the shootout.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry commended the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of keeping Hayward incarcerated as both a consequence of his actions and a measure to protect the public and law enforcement officers from future harm.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez echoed this sentiment after the conviction, praising the resilience of the officer and the wounded civilian, who have since recovered. He appreciated the courts for holding Hayward accountable and expressed relief at the closure provided to the victims’ families by the sentencing.
Officer McGurran, along with supporters, was present during the sentencing, symbolizing both the physical and psychological wounds law enforcement officers endure as a consequence of such violent attacks against them and the communities they serve. The courtroom, filled with tension and sorrow, united in a solitary moment of justice as Hayward faced the repercussions of that fateful night, condemned to spend decades behind bars.