Conviction in Woodmere murder

A Brooklyn man was convicted on Friday for shooting and killing a 20-year-old Woodmere man after what authorities called a “botched robbery attempt” ended with Tristan Theodore being shot in the back while he attempted to escape from a moving vehicle last year.

Edward Williams, 30, was convicted of murder-first degree, kidnapping-first degree, robbery-second degree, burglary-first degree and criminal possession of a weapon-second degree. Williams faces life in prison without parole. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 17. Another defendant, Anthony Jackson, 23, faces similar charges from the same crime.

On June 15, 2010 at 1:40 a.m., Theodore and a friend returned to Theodore’s South End Avenue home from Elmont and were confronted by Williams and Jackson, who forced the two men into the house and downstairs to the basement. There they were bound with duct tape and told to surrender their cash and valuables. Theodore's family had recently moved to the Saddle Ridge neighborhood of Woodmere from Elmont.

In addition to the money, cell phones and car keys, Williams and Jackson took a PlayStation game console from the house. They then forced Theodore and the other man outside into Theodore’s car.

A short time later as the vehicle proceeded down the road, the friend jumped from the moving car. Theodore did the same, but was shot by Williams. Theodore fled on foot through the backyards of several homes before he collapsed on the back porch of a home. The homeowners called 911. Theodore was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside and died at 10:45 a.m.

“Edward Williams’ greed knew no bounds and he took an innocent life while trying to steal money and property,” said Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice. “With [Friday’s] verdict, the jury has made sure that Edward Williams will pay a heavy price for this horrific crime.”