Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencings of XAVIER BAEZ, 25, to 16 years and WILLIAM CARTAGENA, 21, to 22 years-to-life in state prison for shooting and killing 34-year-old Akebulon Reeves in East Harlem in September 2023. BAEZ pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree on September 16, 2025. CARTAGENA pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree on September 17, 2025.
“Mr. Reeves was a loving father whose life was taken in a sudden and horrific act of gun violence,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The defendants coordinated this brazen attack and shot Mr. Reeves without any regard for his life. Combatting gun violence remains my top priority, including by holding offenders accountable. Thanks to our hardworking prosecutors, the defendants will serve significant prison terms. My heart goes out to Mr. Reeves’ family and loved ones, who are still recovering from this tragedy.”
As admitted in the defendants’ guilty pleas, and as alleged in court document and statements made on the record, on September 13, 2023, Mr. Reeves was standing with several others in front of a building near East 119th Street and 3rd Avenue. At approximately 10:05 a.m., BAEZ, who was driving a black motorized scooter, and CARTAGENA, who was sitting behind him, arrived in the vicinity. As the defendants drove by the scene, CARTAGENA hopped off the scooter, approached the group of individuals and fired several shots at Mr. Reeves, striking him several times, including in the chest and torso. He was eventually transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
CARTAGENA hopped back on the scooter and the defendants fled the scene, heading to northern Central Park. At the park, the defendants removed their hoodies before fleeing to the Bronx. Hours later, BAEZ removed the hoodies from the storage compartment of the scooter. BAEZ and CARTAGENA were both arrested on September 20, 2023.
Assistant D.A. Patrick Nelligan is handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Charles Whitt (Chief of Trial Bureau 60) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). ADA Bradley Barbour (Trial Bureau 60), Trial Preparation Assistants Brandon Lee (Trial Bureau 60) and Justin Maye (Trial Bureau 60), and Investigative Analyst Jayden Shepard (Trial Bureau 60) provided invaluable assistance in this case.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Taylor Young (25th Precinct Detective Squad) and the officers of the 25th Precinct, and the Detective Bureau Manhattan North Video Team.
Defendant Information:
XAVIER BAEZ
Bronx, NY
Convicted:
- Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 16 years in state prison
WILLIAM CARTAGENA
Bronx, NY
Convicted:
- Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 22 years-to-life in state prison
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