Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the prison sentence of JOSEPH MORROS, 31, to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 30-year-old Tykeem Berry outside an Inwood bodega on December 15, 2022. On July 28, 2026, a New York State Supreme Court jury convicted MORROS on one count of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

“Joseph Morros was sentenced to significant prison time for murdering Tykeem Berry – a young father who was out with his child – with gunfire that endangered the lives of customers and bystanders alike,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Berry’s life should never have been taken in such a cruel and abrupt way, leaving his family mourning their devastating and irreversible loss. We remain committed to driving down gun violence so no family has to endure the pain Mr. Berry’s loved ones have experienced.”

As proven at trial, on December 15, 2022, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Mr. Berry entered a bodega at the corner of Thayer Street and Nagle Avenue with his 10-year-old daughter. Shortly afterward, MORROS entered and began arguing with Mr. Berry. MORROS pulled out a gun during the confrontation. MORROS then exited the bodega, yelling for Mr. Berry to come outside and threatening him, before running back inside while pointing the gun at him. Mr. Berry began rushing at MORROS and as he was pushing him outside, MORROS fired the gun, striking Mr. Berry.

Mr. Berry collapsed in front of the bodega. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

MORROS fled the scene and was arrested on December 19, 2022.

Assistant D.A.s Christine Keenan (Senior Trial Counsel) and Ashley Maldonado De La Fuente handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Nicole Blumberg (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Patrick Sullivan, Trial Preparation Assistant Ava Kaufman and former Trial Preparation Assistant Troy McLean provided invaluable assistance in the case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department (NYPD), particularly Detective James Marcinek, Detective Kevin Balsam and P.O. Joshua Elsasser.

Defendant Information:

JOSEPH MORROS

New York, NY

Charged:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts

Sentenced:

• 25 years-to-life in state prison

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