NYC man who killed pregnant ex in front of kids hours after baby shower sentenced to 40 years to life in prison
A Bronx man has been sentenced to 40 years to life behind bars for the brutal murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in front of her children just hours after her baby shower. Justin Soriano, 44, was convicted of murder, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and endangering the welfare of a child in November, and Justice Ann Scherzer handed down the prison term in Manhattan Supreme Court.
The tragic incident took place in September 2021 when Soriano arrived at Shanice Young’s Harlem home on a motorcycle. Young, who was eight months pregnant, was sitting in the passenger seat of a car while her family and new boyfriend were unloading baby shower gifts. Soriano, dressed in all black and wearing latex gloves, stormed into the building and pulled out a gun, chasing Young’s boyfriend outside.
Young, accompanied by her two daughters aged 15 and 6, and her boyfriend’s children, a 7-year-old girl, and a 1-year-old baby, stepped out of the car to confront Soriano. She asked him why he was doing this before he callously shot her three times in the face. Despite being rushed to Harlem Hospital, both Young and her unborn baby tragically died as a result of the shooting.
The senseless act of violence was witnessed by the children present, with baby shower gifts still lining the hallway as the tragedy unfolded. Soriano fled the scene but was apprehended by police in the Bronx a few days later. It was revealed that he had a history of nine previous arrests, including charges for drugs, resisting arrest, and assault.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned Soriano’s actions, stating that the incident occurred during what should have been a joyous occasion for Young. He emphasized that Soriano committed the heinous act in front of four children, including Young’s own daughters, who were forced to witness their mother’s death. Bragg expressed hope that the substantial sentence imposed on Soriano would bring a sense of justice for the tragic and abhorrent act of violence.
The heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. May Shanice Young and her unborn baby rest in peace, and may her family find comfort and healing in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
