Man admits attempted murder in 2010 Schenectady slaying

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steven Cook

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One of two men accused in a killing last year on Tremont Avenue pleaded guilty Friday to one count of attempted murder.

Jamel Reed, 23, of Brooklyn, admitted to firing at 19-year-old Terrill Reese Jr. on Sept. 18, 2010, on Tremont near Watt Street.

Co-defendant Georel Lloyd, 18, formerly of Ontario Street, still faces one count of second-degree murder in Reese’s death.

Lloyd is accused of killing Reese with a shotgun at close range, officials have said. Reed has been identified as firing an AK-47 assault rifle at Reese. It was apparently that distinction that led Reed to be charged with second-degree attempted murder when arrested in January.

The plea deal means Reed could get 12 to 15 years in prison. Had he been convicted of the charge, he would have faced a 25-year sentence. His sentencing was scheduled for January.

Prosecutor Peter Willis on Friday noted the deal came as a result of Reed not firing the fatal shot, but also because Reed agreed to testify against Lloyd. Reed also agreed to testify in the ongoing trial of Michael Capers in two unrelated murders.

Reed was identified in prosecutor Amy Monahan’s opening statements in Capers’ murder trial this week.

Capers, 18, is standing trial on two counts of second-degree murder, accused of killing Alphonzo Pittman and Virgil Terry on March 26, 2010, on Hulett Street.

Capers was one of three charged in the killing. One of the other suspects has pleaded to a lesser count, the other was convicted of a lesser count but acquitted in the killings.

With Friday’s plea, Reed was expected to testify in Capers’ trial that Capers made admissions to him while the two were in the Schenectady County Jail. Reed knew Virgil Terry, Monahan told the jury.

Capers’ defense attorney Steve Kouray said Reed’s expected testimony was bought and paid for through the plea deal.

Prosecutors have said Lloyd and Reed targeted Reese in the belief that he had some involvement in a shooting the night before, either personally or through friends, authorities have said.

The shootings were the result of a dispute between individuals in the area, Willis has said.

Reed was represented in court Friday by attorney Cheryl Coleman.