A father of four was shot and killed outside his home early Sunday in a deadly dispute over a parking space, police said. His girlfriend was also severely beaten in the attack, which has left the local community in shock.
The victim, 49-year-old Trevor Hughes, was confronted by an ex-convict, Lavar Davis, 46, after finding Davis’ car blocking the driveway where Hughes regularly parked. The argument escalated, leading to a fatal shooting.
A Parking Dispute Turns Deadly
According to law enforcement officials, Hughes had returned home from a DJ gig at around 2 a.m. and discovered an unauthorized vehicle parked in his usual spot outside his residence on Fowler Avenue. Witnesses say Hughes took all the proper steps to resolve the situation, including notifying authorities.
“He did everything by the book,” said Hughes’ brother, who wished to remain anonymous. “A patrol car came, and all they had to do was ticket the vehicle or tow it. But instead, things got out of hand.”
Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s security camera captured the heated confrontation between Hughes and Davis, which quickly escalated. According to a witness, Davis allegedly threatened Hughes before opening fire.
“The guy said, ‘What’s going on? You wanna get it out? I get [the gun] out for you,’ and then, boom, boom, boom,” said Rose Marie, a neighbor.
Hughes was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at Jacobi Medical Center. His girlfriend was also assaulted during the altercation and required medical attention for her injuries.
A History of Violence
Authorities revealed that the suspect, Davis, has a violent past. He previously served over 24 years in prison for a 1997 murder conviction in Schenectady before being released from the Attica Correctional Facility in 2019.
In addition to his murder conviction, Davis had also been sentenced for first-degree assault, receiving a concurrent sentence of 10 to 20 years. He was released on lifetime parole, making his involvement in the recent crime even more alarming.
Following the shooting, Davis fled the scene and barricaded himself inside his girlfriend’s apartment. The NYPD Emergency Services Unit was deployed to extract him.
“When police officers arrived at the apartment, Davis refused to come out voluntarily, requiring tactical intervention,” said Bronx Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Rozenblum.
Community Outrage and Safety Concerns
Hughes was a well-respected member of his community, known for his work as a DJ, locksmith, and handyman. Residents describe him as someone who always helped his neighbors and was dedicated to his family.
“This is a tragedy that never should have happened,” said a longtime neighbor. “Trevor was a good man. He was just trying to park his car and get a few hours of sleep before going back to work.”
The incident has reignited concerns over escalating violence in the Bronx. Community members have voiced frustrations over rising crime and the presence of trouble-prone establishments, including a nightclub near Hughes’ home, which they claim has caused ongoing disturbances.
“This club around the corner has been a problem for years,” said one resident. “We’ve filed multiple complaints, but nothing has changed.”
Legal Proceedings and Possible Consequences
Davis was arrested Sunday evening and charged with second-degree murder. His arraignment took place in Bronx Criminal Court, where Judge Harold Bahr ordered that he be held without bail.
Prosecutors are expected to push for the maximum sentence, given Davis’ criminal history and the fact that he was on lifetime parole at the time of the crime. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Davis is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday.
A Family in Mourning
Hughes’ death has left his family devastated. He had planned a family trip to his native Tortola in the Caribbean for his 50th birthday later this year—a trip that will now never happen.
His brother, overwhelmed with grief, spoke of the void left behind.
“I’m empty,” he said. “My life is empty. My home is empty. What do I do now?”
Hughes leaves behind four children and a grandchild, all struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
The Bigger Picture
This tragic case has once again highlighted issues surrounding crime and public safety in New York City. Many residents are calling for stricter enforcement against repeat offenders and tougher penalties for violent crimes.
“You know what’s happening in New York City?” Hughes’ brother asked. “Working-class people are being murdered by criminals, and it’s not fair. We need change.”
As the investigation continues, Hughes’ loved ones hope for justice and measures that will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
(Source : gobigbluecountry.com)
