Two Men Sentenced for Fatal Albany Barbershop Shooting
Samir Princeton and Dejoune Smith received prison terms for a 2023 attack that left one man dead.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Violence
Two men were sentenced to over 20 years in prison each for their roles in a 2023 shooting at Village Barber and Beauty in Albany. The attack resulted in the death of 47-year-old Tyrone Staley and left two others injured.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process following a violent incident that impacted multiple victims, including a young child, at a local business. The guilty pleas from Princeton and Smith have provided a resolution to the case for the families involved.
Samir Princeton, 22, and Dejoune Smith, 21, were sentenced to more than 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to their roles in the incident. The investigation confirmed the shooting resulted in the death of 47-year-old Tyrone Staley.
The players
Samir Princeton
A 22-year-old Albany resident who pleaded guilty to his involvement in the barbershop shooting.
Dejoune Smith
A 21-year-old from Troy who was sentenced alongside Princeton for the fatal attack.
Tyrone Staley
A 47-year-old victim who died as a result of the shooting at the barbershop.
The details
The shooting took place at Village Barber and Beauty, where gunmen opened fire on patrons inside the shop. In addition to the death of Tyrone Staley, a 19-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy sustained injuries during the attack.
Timeline
May 13, 2023: The shooting occurred at Village Barber and Beauty.
September 18, 2026: The two men were sentenced to prison.
Legal Context
The case follows the trajectory of high-profile violent crime prosecutions within the city, where rapid adjudication of guilty pleas has become a focus for local courts. This sentence aligns with recent efforts to address gun violence through strict sentencing mandates.
The conclusion of this case offers closure to the local community, which saw increased security concerns following the 2023 shooting at a prominent neighborhood business. Residents may see this sentencing as a step toward addressing the impact of violent crime in Albany.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case underscores the severe legal consequences for those involved in public shootings that cause death and injury to bystanders. Local authorities continue to focus on judicial outcomes as a deterrent against further violent incidents in the area.
Further reading
For more information on public safety, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Gazette.
