Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the sentencing of CLARKSON WILSON, 47, to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 25-year-old Imani Armstrong as she walked from her job on East 14th Street in September 2022. On December 10, 2025, a New York State Supreme Court jury convicted WILSON on all counts, including Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

“Imani Armstrong was leaving her job one morning, not knowing that her life would be cut short by an ex-partner with a gun. Clarkson Wilson is facing significant prison time for his calculated, callous, and deadly conduct,” said District Attorney Bragg. “While this sentencing will not bring Ms. Armstrong back, I hope that it can serve as a measure of closure for her loved ones who continue to mourn her loss.”

As proven at trial, WILSON and Ms. Armstrong dated for about six months until she attempted to end their relationship. On September 1, 2022, WILSON traveled into Manhattan on the subway and exited near the IHOP Restaurant where Ms. Armstrong worked. WILSON then lay in wait for almost seven hours until she left before following her down the street.

After following her for several blocks east and putting on a sweatshirt, WILSON shot Ms. Armstrong at point blank range in the back of the head. Video surveillance captured WILSON fleeing the scene at the corner of 14th Street and Irving Place, changing his clothing to avoid law enforcement, and taking the subway back to Brooklyn.

Assistant D.A. Tricia Phillips (Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 80) handled the prosecution of this case with Assistant D.A. Jonathan Horn (Trial Bureau 80) under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Siobhan Carty (Chief of Trial Bureau 80) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Analyst Devery Kerr (Trial Bureau 80) and Trial Preparation Assistant Steven Hendrickson (Trial Bureau 80) provided invaluable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked NYPD, particularly former Detective Steven Stiller of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad and the 13th Precinct Detective Squad.

 

Defendant Information:

CLARKSON WILSON

Brooklyn, NY

Convicted:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I 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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