Ezell Hicks Jr. dies in fatal Syracuse road rage shooting

Ezell Hicks Jr. dies in fatal Syracuse road rage shooting

Fatal Syracuse road rage shooting death of Ezell Hicks Jr. – Obituary

Ezell Hicks Jr., 61, was fatally shot during a road rage confrontation on April 23 at the intersection of West Fayette Street and West Street Arterial in Syracuse, according to police reports. The shooter, a 43-year-old man, allegedly opened fire after Hicks approached his vehicle while holding a knife.

Despite confirming the identity of Hicks shortly after the incident, Syracuse police have not disclosed the name of the shooter. Authorities stated that unless formal charges are filed, they will not release his identity. This approach differs from standard practice, as individuals involved in fatal shootings are typically named.

According to officials, the gunman legally owned the firearm used in the shooting. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick announced that his office would reveal the shooter’s name once a grand jury decides on possible charges. The investigation will examine whether the shooting qualifies as self-defense, which could justify the killing under New York law.

The incident has drawn comparisons to previous local cases where armed individuals claimed self-defense, though delays in naming suspects remain highly uncommon.