De Von Callicutt Convicted in 2008 Murder of Wantagh Man

A jury found a man guilty on Tuesday in the 2008 slaying of a 22-year-old Wantagh man during a bungled robbery in Albany, where the murder victim attended college.

The jury of 10 women and two men convicted De Von Callicutt, 20, of Rensselaer in the shooting death of Richard Bailey, a senior at the University at Albany and a graduate of MacArthur High School in Levittown where was a standout athlete in varsity football, basketball and baseball.  

After a weeklong jury trial, Callicutt was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He faces a maximum of life in prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, according to Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares.

The trial's closing arguments took place on Monday and the jury began its deliberations just before 5 p.m. The jury continued deliberations on Tuesday before reaching the guilty verdict.

According to prosecutors, Bailey had just left his friend's house after watching Monday Night Football on Oct. 20, 2008 at around 11:20 p.m., when he was confronted by Callicutt and accomplices King Modest, 18, and Ricardo Caldwell, 19, both of Albany, in the area of South Lake Avenue and Yates Street.

The trio approached Bailey on their bicycles and tried to rob him with a loaded handgun, which was being brandished by Callicutt, prosecutors said. During the confrontation, Callicutt shot the victim in the head, killing him instantly, they added.

About seven minutes after mortally wounding Bailey, Callicutt robbed another victim in the area of State and Ontario streets, demanding money and threatening that victim with a pistol, the DA's office said. That victim was unharmed.

Prosecutors also alleged Callicutt was reportedly involved in another robbery on Colonie Street in Albany less than two hours before Bailey was slain.

Modest and Caldwell, who were described as lookouts for Callicutt, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery earlier this year. Modest will serve 10 years in prison and Caldwell 12 years when they are sentenced sometime next year, the DA said.

"In returning the verdict, the jury validated the hard work put in by the Albany Police Department and the investigators that diligently worked on this case," said DA Soares. "But now the real work begins for the families involved in the case. I want to thank the Baileys for the courage, strength and patience that they have exhibited throughout this long and trying process.

"I would also be remiss in my responsibilities if I didn't acknowledge the courage of the other robbery victim and the witness for coming forward under these conditions to fulfill his civic responsibilities," Soares added.

Callicutt's attorney, Cheryl Coleman of Albany, and the murder victim's family could not be reached for comment early Tuesday evening.