Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the sentencing of ZACHERY BRYANT, 40, to 30 years-to-life in state prison for shooting two auto repair shop employees, killing 33-year-old Mario Gonzalez-Alcantara, and injuring a 43-year-old man on the Upper East Side in August 2021. On September 27, 2024, a New York State Supreme Court jury convicted BRYANT on all counts, including Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and Assault in the First Degree, among other charges.   

“Zachery Bryant will serve a significant prison term for shooting two hardworking New Yorkers in a callous attack that tragically took Mario Gonzalez Alcantara ’s life,” said District Attorney Bragg. “To Mr. Gonzalez Alcantara ’s family and loved ones, he was a loving son, brother, cousin, friend and partner, and I send my deepest condolences to them as they continue to grieve their loss. I hope that the outcome of this case can provide another step towards healing for both families affected by this shooting.”  

As proven at trial, both victims worked at an auto repair shop on the Upper East Side, near East 95th Street and 1st Avenue. On August 23, 2021, at approximately 3:30 a.m., BRYANT parked his car near the auto repair shop and waited for several hours. At approximately 9:25 a.m., BRYANT exited his car with his face covered, a hood over his head and latex gloves on his hands. He then entered the shop.   

Standing at the front desk, BRYANT pulled out a revolver and fired several shots towards the victims. Mr. Gonzalez Alcantara, who was the manager of the shop, was struck multiple times in the torso, killing him. The other employee was struck once in the back and the bullet remains lodged near his spine.

Following the shooting, BRYANT fled the scene, driving northbound on 1st Avenue. On September 10, 2021, the NYPD Warrants Squad found BRYANT inside the same car he was driving the day of the murder and arrested him. Officers recovered two firearms from BRYANT’s car, including the firearm used in the shooting.  

Assistant D.A.s Michael McIntosh (Senior Trial Counsel) and Matthew Sears handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Major Case Analyst Anastasia Trico (Digital Evidence Analyst of Trial Bureau 70) and Rackets Investigator Noah Dent (Investigation Bureau) provided outstanding contributions to the case. Trial Preparation Assistant Robert Copit (Trial Bureau 70) provided invaluable assistance to the trial team.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly members of the Manhattan North Homicide and Shooting Enhancement Team, including Detectives Paul Pastorini, Luis Cordova, and Edward Stackpole. He also thanked present and former members of the 19th Precinct Detective Squad, including Detective Daniel Faughnan, Detective Jonathan Cung and retired Detective John Christmann.  

Defendant Information: 

ZACHERY BRYANT

Conyers, GA

Convicted:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts

Sentenced:

• 30 years-to-life in state prison

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