The gunman admitted to the victim’s father that the shooting, which left the 24-year-old man paralyzed three years ago while riding in a car in Brooklyn, was a case of mistaken identity.
On April 25, 2021, around 12:55 a.m., Romel Jules was shot in the upper back while riding in the passenger seat of a Volkswagen Jetta at a traffic light near his Crown Heights residence. The gunman approached the car and fired 11 shots.
Maurice Williams approached the victim’s father a few days later and confessed, according to the police.
Dad Ruskin Jules, 47, mentioned that he had seen Williams in the neighborhood before.
In an interview with the Daily News on Thursday, he expressed remorse for shooting him and clarified that it was not intentional and not intended for him.
Williams informed the victim’s father that he had been persuaded by a young woman who claimed that there was a member of a rival gang in the car.
Ruskin Jules vividly remembers the incident when his friend, fueled by the words of a girl who claimed that their rivals were driving a particular car, impulsively opened fire without even bothering to check who was inside.
The father expressed to the shooter, “My son forgives you, but I cannot.”
The victim was quickly taken by medics from the scene at Nostrand Ave. and Montgomery St. to Kings County Hospital. They were in critical condition.
Jules was lying in a hospital bed, paralyzed, while Williams faced arrest on July 8, 2021. Williams was charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal use of a firearm for the shooting incident.
Detectives were able to track the movements of the gunman who opened fire on Jules, thanks to the distinct multicolored clothing he was wearing. Surveillance videos provided crucial evidence, leading to an indictment and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Williams has been detained without bail at Rikers Island ever since he was arrested for the shooting incident. According to court records, he entered a guilty plea for charges of attempted murder and criminal use of a firearm on March 11. His sentencing is scheduled for May 1 at Brooklyn Criminal Court.
Romel Jules, who had been confined to hospitals and care facilities since the shooting incident, passed away almost three years later. The police have classified his death as a homicide. The city Medical Examiner concluded that the cause of death was complications arising from a gunshot wound to the back, which resulted in injury to the spinal cord.
According to a spokesperson from the Brooklyn district attorney’s office, they are currently exploring their options regarding whether or not to charge Williams with murder.
Romel Jules’s father revealed that his son had been fighting pneumonia for two months prior to his passing. However, the family had been making arrangements to bring Romel home before he fell ill, ensuring that he would have access to round-the-clock nursing care.
He never reached his destination.
Romel Jules’ family fondly remembered him on Thursday as a person who possessed remarkable intelligence, exceptional musical talent, and a generous nature.
According to his 31-year-old brother, who preferred to remain anonymous, he was always ready to step up, take the lead, and assist those in need. Whether it was fixing a car or lending a helping hand, he would never simply walk by. He had a kind heart and would stop for anyone who required assistance.
“He was an incredible talent. Ever since he was around 7 years old, he had been playing the drums and DJing. He had a natural gift for it,” his brother shared. “In fact, he even DJ’d for a popular Caribbean radio station, where he showcased his skills in playing soca and reggae music.”
Romel Jules’ father mentioned that his son had a strong bond with his community, where he was raised alongside his five siblings.
Ruskin Jules praised his neighbor’s exceptional care and concern for the community, particularly the elderly residents. He highlighted how this individual went above and beyond to ensure their well-being. According to Jules, the neighborhood children held deep respect for him, recognizing his unwavering dedication. He would diligently assist the older community members, escorting them safely indoors, opening doors, and even lending a helping hand with their bags.
A week after the shooting, a heartwarming GoFundMe campaign was created to support Jules. The campaign featured a touching photo of Jules, a smile gracing his face, as he lay in his hospital bed. It was clear that Jules had been paralyzed from the shoulders down and was in desperate need of stem cell surgery.
According to Jules’ family, they revealed that Jules had experienced multiple instances of flatlining after the shooting incident. As a result, Jules had to undergo a medically induced coma for a significant period of time, which made it impossible for them to speak for several months.
After receiving initial treatment at Kings County Hospital, Romel Jules was later transferred to a long-term acute care hospital in Brooklyn. Although his physical progress has been minimal over the years, he has managed to maintain a sense of hope.
According to the brother, he was simply trying to maintain a positive mindset throughout his challenging journey. Despite his difficult circumstances, he refused to view them in a negative light. Instead, he remained determined to fight and regain his previous state of well-being.
During his stay at the acute care facility, Romel Jules filled his time with various activities. He engaged in physical therapy sessions, took naps, and enjoyed watching television. Additionally, he had the pleasure of receiving visits from his loved ones and engaging in FaceTime calls with a constant stream of friends and family members.
According to court records, less than two weeks after his arrest for attempted murder, Williams faced federal charges for participating in a three-person armed robbery of a cell phone warehouse on 73rd St. in Jackson Heights on November 15, 2020.
Uris expressed uncertainty about the potential benefits of adding charges at this stage. He emphasized that the sentencing was aimed at allowing Mr. Jules’ family to finally put this aspect of the tragedy behind them and begin to move forward. Mr. Williams sincerely hopes that his family can find peace during this difficult time.
“I’m taking each day as it comes,” said Jules’ brother about his brother’s death. “I’m doing my best to maintain my composure and keep everything together.”
