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Cecil Toland, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Monday (December 15) for the fatal shooting of Wilfredo Vasquez in Schenectady. The incident occurred on April 23 outside a bodega on Van Vranken Avenue. Toland shot Vasquez following an argument that took place two weeks prior.
The shooting was witnessed by three young children of Toland's girlfriend. Surveillance footage and an eyewitness helped authorities identify Toland as the shooter. After the incident, he fled to New York City but later returned to Schenectady and surrendered to the police. As part of a plea deal, Toland will serve an indeterminate sentence of 18 years to life in prison and has waived his right to appeal.
Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney emphasized the impact of the crime, stating that the children who witnessed the shooting will live with the trauma for the rest of their lives. Vasquez's family, including his young children and siblings, attended the court proceedings and plan to deliver victim impact statements at the sentencing.
CBS6 Albany and NEWS10 reported on the plea and the details surrounding the case.