Victim of Delaware Ave homicide identified by Albany Police
Albany Police have identified the victim of a homicide on Delaware Avenue as 21-year-old Davyjian Grier.
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Albany Police have identified the victim of a homicide on Delaware Avenue as 21-year-old Davyjian Grier. Police said the homicide happened on Tuesday around 5:10 p.m.
Grier was found with gunshot wounds, treated by paramedics, and died on the scene. Police said the preliminary investigation found Grier and the suspect to be in an argument, which led to the suspect shooting Grier in his car and fleeing on foot.
The Stewart's Shop on Delaware Avenue, where the incident happened, opened back up Wednesday morning and is operating as normal. Sonia Spence, said she frequents the store regularly with her grandchildren for ice cream and is scared that crime will continue to happen in the area.
"There’s a school not too far from here, you know, and you have a lot of young kids that come here and hang out sometimes in the evenings, and I know it’s summer now, but this is crazy," Spence said. "You know, it’s like the Mama and Pop ice cream store that you always go and the kids go and hang out, and buy them a little ice cream snack, and your kids don’t feel safe anymore. Nobody is safe."
Jerry Albino, an Albany resident, said he was surprised that this type of violence happened in his neighborhood.
"This location is always quiet," Albino said. "The neighborhood always looks out for each other. Mostly the kids come out around this time, and we all meet here and have ice cream because Stewarts is always known for that ice cream and free air for the bicycles. There’s a school about three blocks from here and all the kids come here, and get some ice cream. For this to happen, it’s kind of mind-boggling."
Victory Christian Church in Albany is about 10 minutes from the Stewart’s, where the incident occurred. They are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the shooting. Pastor Charlie Muller of the Victory Church said he wants to see the community and city administration involved with one another.
"We want this individual off the streets as quick as possible, and we want people in the community to be engaged and involved," Muller said. "Of course their names will not be put out there, but this is how we can make our streets safer when we’re involved."
A spokesperson from Stewart's Shops made a statement regarding the incident.
"What happened yesterday near our shop on Delaware Avenue in Albany was disturbing and difficult for everyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting," Stewart's said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim. We are working closely with the Albany Police Department to assist them in any way we can as they search for the person who is responsible. This was an isolated act within a very strong community. It was our resilient partners who helped us make the decision to reopen for business this morning so the community can move forward."
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information can call the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039. People can also submit anonymous tips on the Capital Region Crime Stoppers website.