POUGHKEEPSIE— A Dutchess County jury convicted Shrone “On Sight” Wright, 52, of Poughkeepsie, on a charge of manslaughter Thursday in connection with the 2024 stabbing death of William “Captain Bill” Gearhart.
Wright, who had been on trial for murder, was found guilty of the lesser charge after jurors deliberated for about three hours before returning their verdict in Judge Segal’s courtroom.
Wright had testified that he acted in self-defense, claiming he stabbed Gearhart, 50, in the neck during a November 2024 altercation because he was being attacked.
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said Thursday the verdict brings accountability for the fatal act.
“William Gearhart lost his life as the result of a senseless act of violence on a Poughkeepsie street,” Parisi said. “Today, the jury carefully weighed the evidence and held the defendant accountable for that fatal act. While nothing can restore Mr. Gearhart to his family, this verdict affirms that violence of this kind will be met with accountability in Dutchess County.”
Wright was represented by Poughkeepsie defense attorneys Kelley Enderley and Ryan LeGrady. Following the verdict, Enderley said, “We are happy the jury found that our client did not intend to cause anyone’s death, but disappointed that they found him guilty of manslaughter in the first degree.”
Under New York law, first-degree manslaughter applies when a person, with intent to cause serious physical injury, causes the death of another person.
Judge Segal scheduled sentencing for May 12.
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