Shoot defense: Boy not target
The Bronx parolee who allegedly shot a 5-year-old birthday boy in the head was held without bail after pleading not guilty to attempted murder Wednesday, as his defense attorney argued the bullet wasn’t meant for the child.
With revenge on his mind, Michael Quiles, 27, was firing at a rival, whom prosecutors identified as Christian Foster, when little Jaheem Hunter was struck by a stray bullet on Monday.
The youngster is now fighting for his life.
“Doctors say he’s in critical but stable condition. They can’t tell his prognosis and are not sure whether he’ll survive,” Bronx Assistant District Attorney Felicity Lung said during Quiles’ arraignment at Bronx Criminal Court.
“The bullet entered his brain. Three of his lobes are damaged.”
Wearing a gray sweat suit, Quiles looked down or straight ahead for most of the proceeding, answering only “yes” when asked if he understood what was going on.
He was ordered remanded on assault, weapons and attempted-murder charges.
While the career criminal’s lawyer, Sidney Thaxter, argued his client never intended to harm Jaheem, the prosecution claimed Quiles made the decision to fire a gun in the middle of a street.
“He chose to shoot that gun when there are people there, and this tragedy happened in our streets,” Lung said.
Quiles was paroled on Oct. 13 after serving 5¹/2 years in prison for attempted kidnapping in Albany County.
“Within months, he’s back out on the street and he has a gun on him,” Lung said.
Jaheem was walking with his parents out of 1138 Washington Ave. at around 5:15 p.m. when he was hit by the bullet.
Quiles has arrests going back to the age of 16 for a slew of offenses, including disorderly conduct, criminal possession of marijuana and weapons.
Quiles’ next court date is June 9.