Long Island Man Guilty Of Murder In Shooting Of Little Brother, 17

CORAM, NY — A Suffolk jury reached a guilty verdict in the case of a man who prosecutors say shot his 17-year-old brother to death outside of a relative's home in Coram two years ago.

Trial evidence established that 27-year-old Dimitri Robert, who had no fixed address but was staying in Coram at the time, shot his brother, Devontay Robert while the teen sat in the passenger seat of their mother’s rented 2019 Nissan Altima, which was parked outside of a relative’s home in Coram on Oct. 1, 2019, the office of Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said Thursday.

Robert had been involved in "a child custody dispute and blamed his own mother for helping the mothers of his five children keep them away from him," telling her, “If I can’t see my kids, you are not going to see your kids,” according to prosecutors.

Officers responding to the domestic dispute, had just arrived when Robert ran over to the Altima and shot his brother twice in the head, prosecutors said, adding that "Robert was chased and arrested at the scene."

Devontay Robert had just graduated Longwood High School.

After news of his death spread, Longwood Central School District officials posted a tribute on the district's Facebook page, saying that the school community was "saddened to learn" of his "tragic passing."

Dimitri Robert's trial lasted a little over two weeks.

Tierney said the jury spoke "and justice has been served."

“This verdict will not bring the victim back but we hope it brings some form of comfort to his family despite the fact that the defendant is a sibling and was responsible for committing this senseless and brutal act," he added.

Robert is facing 25 years to life in prison when he appears before Justice Richard Ambro for sentencing on May 24.

Ryan Bonner contributed additional reporting to this story.