NEW YORK, NY – A New York man convicted of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend in front of her children invoked his “constitutional rights” at his sentencing on Thursday in a chilling case that has stirred emotional responses across the city.
Justin Soriano, 43, was convicted in November of the 2024 murder of 31-year-old Shanice Young. Young, who was more than eight months pregnant, was returning home after her baby shower in the early hours of Sept. 12, 2021, when she was shot by Soriano.
The attack unfolded after Soriano, masked and armed, pursued Young’s current boyfriend around their apartment complex. Witnesses included four children, among them Young’s 6- and 15-year-old daughters.
At the scene, Young confronted Soriano before he shot her in the face multiple times. Young and her unborn child were pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital. Soriano fled but was apprehended days later while hiding in the Bronx.
During his sentencing hearing, Soriano voiced grievances, claiming that sentence enhancements violated his constitutional rights. He listed several court cases in an attempt to support his assertions. However, his claims did little to sway the prosecution’s stance. Assistant District Attorney Emily Ching highlighted Soriano’s apparent lack of remorse, describing his attitude as unrepentant.
Judge Ann Scherzer issued Soriano a sentence of 40 years to life in state prison, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and its impact on the victims’ families. Soriano’s final comments also included a baseless claim that Young’s daughter had been pressured by authorities to accuse him, an assertion met with skepticism in the courtroom.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense, reflecting the community’s outrage over the crime. This case marks a significant moment in discussions about domestic violence and its repercussions on families, especially those already vulnerable.
This tragic incident underscores the broader social issues surrounding domestic violence, leaving community members to ponder effective measures to prevent future tragedies. As Shanice Young’s loved ones grapple with their loss, the city reflects on a case that once again highlights the need for continuous dialogue on safety and justice.