June 2023 Bronx shooting sees guilty plea from second suspect Austin Morrishow, as investigators reveal how a misinterpreted threat led to bullets flying on a crowded street

New York City – In a significant development in a case that has captured the attention of New York City, Austin Morrishow, a Bronx resident, entered a guilty plea today for his involvement in a shooting incident that gravely injured a five-year-old girl. This event, which unfolded on a bustling residential street in the Bronx on June 30, 2023, also involved Curtis White, who had earlier pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025.

The incident occurred when Morrishow and White, along with others, were on a sidewalk. The situation escalated rapidly after a car engine misfired, leading Morrishow to mistakenly perceive a threat. He quickly took cover and, wielding a .40 caliber pistol, discharged several shots toward three nearby cars, which then sped away in panic. White contributed to the chaos, chasing the cars and firing a .380 caliber pistol as he ran.

The shots fired during this harrowing episode resulted in severe consequences. Not only did they leave multiple shell casings and bullet fragments on the street, but one of the bullets tragically struck a five-year-old girl who was sitting in the back of one of the fleeing cars. She was immediately taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky highlighted the severity of the crime, emphasizing the reckless disregard for human life.

“On June 30, 2023, Austin Morrishow and his co-defendant, Curtis White, engaged in a brazen act of violence by firing several shots onto a busy residential street in the Bronx. As these shots rang out, panicked bystanders rushed for cover, and one child—a five-year-old girl—was struck by a bullet and seriously injured. Morrishow then tried to evade arrest, but he was tracked down by our law enforcement partners, and now faces time in prison for endangering our city with senseless gun violence,” Podolsky said.

Both Morrishow and White, each 27 years old, have now pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition after a felony conviction. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing for Morrishow is scheduled for June 25, 2025, while White will face sentencing on May 20, 2025.

The case has been diligently pursued by the Office’s General Crimes Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry J. Fang leading the prosecution. The successful apprehension and prosecution of Morrishow and White were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the New York City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

This case stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and dangers posed by illegal firearm possession and the importance of relentless pursuit of justice to ensure community safety.