Breaking news

Suspect in Harlem 'Momma Zee' bodega murder claims He acted in self‑defense

The suspect in the fatal shooting of beloved Harlem bodega owner "Momma Zee" claims he acted in self-defense, as his attorney argues the victim was caught in the crossfire of a dispute gone wrong.

Court sketch shows suspect during hearing in Harlem bodega murder case of beloved owner “Momma Zee.” Photo: GLR News Composition/Steven Hirsch/Facebook
Court sketch shows suspect during hearing in Harlem bodega murder case of beloved owner “Momma Zee.” Photo: GLR News Composition/Steven Hirsch/Facebook

The alleged killer of "Momma Zee," a Harlem icon, only fired his gun because his rival lunged like "Yosemite Sam," the defendant's attorney told the court.

Ricky Shelby appeared before a Manhattan judge. The 24-year-old man revealed the murder charge against him, saying he fired the shot at the innocent 61-year-old Excenia Mette during a shootout in April of this year.

Harlem shooting suspect claims self-defense in Momma Zee case

Mette, affectionately known as "Momma Zee," was a beloved bodega owner and neighborhood caretaker in Harlem. She was tragically shot in the head after stepping outside her apartment building to check on her grandson upon hearing gunfire nearby. Authorities say her death occurred during a violent conflict between two men: Shelby and Darious Smith.

During the court hearing, Shelby's lawyer, Jason Ebanks, argued that his client acted in self-defense. Ebanks claimed that Smith had threatened and followed Shelby before initiating the confrontation. Describing Smith as acting like “Yosemite Sam,” the attorney insisted it was Smith who opened fire. Ebanks requested Shelby’s release pending trial, emphasizing that his client had turned himself in to NYPD six days after the shooting.

Judge denies bail for Harlem shooting suspect as case moves forward

Despite the defense’s claims, the judge sided with prosecutors, citing Shelby’s alleged attempt to evade arrest by fleeing the scene and changing clothes immediately after the incident. As a result, the judge denied bail. Shelby pleaded not guilty during the hearing.

 Excenia “Momma Zee” Mette, 61, a beloved Harlem shop owner and community figure, was tragically killed by a stray bullet in April. Photo: Facebook

Excenia “Momma Zee” Mette, 61, a beloved Harlem shop owner and community figure, was tragically killed by a stray bullet in April. Photo: Facebook

Both Shelby’s and Mette’s families were present in the courtroom but declined to speak to the press. The case is ongoing, and Shelby is expected to return to court on August 20. Meanwhile, Smith, who was out on bail for a previous stabbing case at the time is now facing attempted murder charges related to the deadly shooting.

The most recent

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 2:52 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

Jun 24 2025 | 2:28 h

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 1:29 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

Jun 24 2025 | 1:10 h

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

Jun 24 2025 | 0:52 h

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Jun 23 2025 | 23:25 h

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

Jun 23 2025 | 21:55 h

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Jun 23 2025 | 20:53 h

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Jun 23 2025 | 19:25 h

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Jun 23 2025 | 18:58 h

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

Jun 23 2025 | 18:49 h

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

Jun 23 2025 | 18:42 h