Armory Square suspect confessed to murder, police say; shooting caught on camera

Akok Lual

Balloons and candles serve as a memorial to Akok Lual, 24, who was shot and killed in Armory Square on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Rylee Kirk | Rkirk@syracuse.com)

Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man who turned himself in Tuesday acknowledged he committed the Armory Square shooting that left one dead and four injured, police said in court papers.

Brandon Rolfe, 23, of Seymour Street, was arraigned Wednesday morning on murder and attempted murder charges in the shooting shortly after midnight Friday that left Akok Lual, 24, dead.

Also injured were Garang Amyek, 25; Acuil Ater, 24; Shyquan Derby, 24; and Lual Lual, 21. Rolfe faces attempted murder charges in each of their injuries.

RELATED: Police officers 30 feet away from ‘brazen’ and deadly shooting in Armory Square, mayor says

Akok Lual

Akok Lual, 24, was fatally shot in Armory Square in Syracuse on Saturday, April 16, 2022. His brother, Lual Lual, 22, was also shot but survived. (Courtesy Mary Lual)

The 12:14 a.m. shooting in the 300 block of South Clinton Street happened after Rolfe “possess(ed) a loaded 9mm handgun, and did fire this weapon at the victim...and a group of his friends,” Syracuse police Detective Jeremy Merola wrote in court papers.

“The incident was captured on surveillance footage, and B. Rolfe admitted to the above listed actions during an interview with the police,” Merola concluded.

Police Chief Kenton Buckner has said that there was a disturbance before the fatal shooting. But no motive was provided in arraignment paperwork released Wednesday.

There was “some argument back and forth” on the street between Rolfe and a group that included all of the victims, First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

Rolfe is believed to have been the only one to pull a gun and fire, the prosecutor added.

“There is no indication anyone else was involved in the shooting,” Coolican said.

Coolican declined to say whether Rolfe had a history with anyone in the victims’ group, or what authorities believe the argument that night was about.

“It’s still early in the investigation,” he said.

RELATED: Family fled violence of Sudan’s civil war only to have sons gunned down in Armory Square

Based on the charges, Rolfe faces a possible sentence of 125 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder and attempted murder charges. Because there were five separate victims, he can be sentenced to additional time for each victim, if found guilty.

Rolfe remained jailed after arraignment Wednesday morning. He appeared virtually for arraignment. City Court Judge Felicia Pitts Davis denied photo or video coverage of the quick appearance.

Rolfe’s case will likely go to grand jury next, unless his lawyer decides to contest the arrest in a preliminary hearing. Defense lawyer Eric Jeschke was assigned to the case.

Rolfe will automatically remain jailed unless his lawyer asks a County Court Judge to set bail.

Related articles on Syracuse.com

Syracuse man arrested for Armory Square shooting that left one man dead, 4 injured, DA’s office says

Family fled violence of Sudan’s civil war only to have sons gunned down in Armory Square

23-year-old man shot at Armory Square improving, police say

Police officers 30 feet away from ‘brazen’ and deadly shooting in Armory Square, mayor says

Police release name of 24-year-old man killed in Armory Square shooting

Shots, screams, partiers run: Witnesses describe Armory Square shooting

Man dead, 4 other people hurt in shooting in Syracuse’s popular Armory Square

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or (315) 470-6070.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.