Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of JUSTIN DEPROSPO, 27, to 18 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 32-year-old Burnie Pleasant outside of a smoke shop in Harlem in November 2023. On October 8, 2025, DEPROSPO pleaded guilty in a New York State Supreme Court to one count of Murder in the Second Degree.
“Justin Deprospo callously and fatally shot Burnie Pleasant, a father of two with musical aspirations,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Gun violence has cut short far too many lives and has destroyed entire families. My Office will continue to hold accountable anyone who uses guns to harm New Yorkers – nobody should have to experience the pain experienced by Mr. Pleasant’s loved ones.”
As admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, and according to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on November 15, 2023, Mr. Pleasant was at a smoke shop near West 116th Street and 8th Avenue. At approximately 9:10 p.m., DEPROSPO approached Mr. Pleasant from behind, removed a firearm from his coat, and fired multiple shots towards him. Mr. Pleasant was shot 8 times in the torso and immediately fell to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
DEPROSPO fled the scene. He was arrested nearly two weeks later.
Assistant D.A. Shilpa Kalra and Brielle Oshinsky handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30), and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Paralegals Isabella Bosrock and Louise Wang (Trial Bureau 30) are providing valuable assistance in this case.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Police Officer Christopher Brown of the 28th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Carlos Pagan of Manhattan Homicide North.
Defendant Information:
JUSTIN DEPROSPO
Bronx, NY
Convicted:
- Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 18 years in state prison
###