Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Syracuse Manslaughter
Uzziah Murray and Quinntone Moore received 20-year prison terms for their roles in the death of Deron McGee Jr.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Violence
A Syracuse court has sentenced Uzziah Murray and Quinntone Moore to 20 years in prison for the first-degree manslaughter of 15-year-old Deron McGee Jr. The victim died after being shot in the head while riding in a stolen Hyundai Sonata.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a portion of the legal proceedings for a crime that initially drew second-degree murder charges. The case highlights the severe consequences following a violent incident involving stolen vehicles and illegal firearms.
Uzziah Murray and Quinntone Moore were sentenced to 20 years in prison on October 1, 2026, after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter. A third defendant, Torrin Brown, remains awaiting sentencing.
The players
Uzziah Murray
He is one of the three defendants convicted of first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Deron McGee Jr.
Quinntone Moore
He was the driver of the stolen vehicle involved in the shooting and received a 20-year prison sentence.
Deron McGee Jr.
The 15-year-old victim died following a shooting incident that occurred inside a stolen car.
Torrin Brown
He is the third defendant in the case and is scheduled to be sentenced in October 2026.
The details
On August 12, 2024, Murray, Moore, and Brown were in a stolen Hyundai Sonata when they fired weapons at a pedestrian. During the incident, 15-year-old Deron McGee Jr. was shot in the head and spent one week at Upstate University Hospital before dying.
Timeline
August 12, 2024: The shooting occurred from inside a stolen vehicle.
September 2024: Deron McGee Jr. died after one week of critical care.
October 1, 2026: Murray and Moore were sentenced in court.
October 10, 2026: Torrin Brown is scheduled for sentencing.
Legal Context
The sentences reflect the judicial application of New York state statutes regarding first-degree manslaughter. This case follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny on violent offenses involving youth defendants in urban jurisdictions.
The resolution of this case provides closure regarding the specific charges brought against the defendants involved in the August 2024 shooting. Residents may note the shift in legal status as the final defendant prepares for his October sentencing date.
The takeaway
The case emphasizes the legal risks associated with vehicle theft and the use of firearms in public spaces. It serves as a reminder of how quickly incidents involving stolen property can escalate into fatal violence.
What happens next
Torrin Brown is scheduled for his sentencing hearing on October 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Syracuse Violence section.
