Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of RICKY SHELBY, 23, for allegedly fatally shooting 61-year-old Excenia Mette in Harlem on April 22, 2025. SHELBY is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. [1]
“As alleged, Ricky Shelby fatally shot Excenia Mette when she stepped outside to check on her grandson after she heard shots being fired. Ms. Mette, affectionately known as Momma Zee, was a staple of the Harlem community, and her death is an absolute tragedy,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My heart goes out to her many loved ones who are mourning her devastating loss. New Yorkers should be able to walk in their neighborhoods without fearing for their lives, and we will hold accountable those who harm New Yorkers through gun violence.”
According to court documents and statements made on the record, on April 22, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., SHELBY exited his BMW at the corner of West 113th Street and Lenox Avenue. Simultaneously, separately charged defendant DARIOUS SMITH arrived on a scooter and allegedly brandished a firearm at a group of individuals, including SHELBY. SHELBY and the other individuals scattered.
SMITH allegedly fired two shots from a 9-millimeter handgun in the direction of one of the people who had exited the BMW and fled southbound on Lenox Avenue between West 113th Street and West 112th Street. No one was struck. SMITH then retrieved his scooter and began to flee westbound on West 113th Street. At the same time, SHELBY returned to the BMW and emerged with a firearm. He allegedly fired six shots from a 40-caliber handgun at SMITH who was struck one time in the leg.
He also allegedly struck Excenia Mette, an innocent bystander who was on Lenox Avenue between West 113th Street and West 114th Street. She was fatally wounded from a gunshot to her head.
SHELBY fled the scene in the BMW. On April 28, 2025, he surrendered to the NYPD.
SMITH was indicted and arraigned in Supreme Court on May 12, 2025. SMITH is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
Assistant D.A.s Alfred Peterson (Trial Bureau 70) and Joseph Abrams (Trial Bureau 70) are handling the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Christian Genao of the 28th Precinct Detective Squad.
Defendant Information:
RICKY SHELBY
Bronx, NY
Charged:
- Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
- Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts
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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.