Photo: Getty Images
The attempted murder trial of Dontie Mitchell, a self-proclaimed anti-violence advocate, continues today in Albany. Mitchell is accused of involvement in the 2023 shooting death of Shieer Leggett on Main Street in Cohoes. While another individual is alleged to have shot and killed Leggett, prosecutors argue that Mitchell initiated the exchange of gunfire by going through an alley.
Mitchell's defense attorney maintains that her client was acting in self-defense. Originally, Mitchell was indicted for murder, but the charge was later dismissed. However, the Albany County District Attorney's Office subsequently charged him with attempted murder, alleging that he tried to kill Nalik Sealy. Sealy, who was also charged in connection with Leggett's death, accepted a plea deal that reduced his murder charge to manslaughter.
According to CBS6 Albany, Mitchell has been in custody for over a year following the deadly shooting incident. In addition to the ongoing trial, Mitchell is also facing a separate trial on charges of sexual assault, which is scheduled to begin on December 18.