Schenectady, NY — 19-year-old Jevoun Drake pled guilty to murder in Schenectady County Court for the fatal killing of Usman Pirzada during a robbery on December 19, 2023.
Drake confessed to causing Pirzada’s death while attempting to rob him and agreed to a sentence of 19 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025.
Jose Amey, also 19, previously pled guilty to robbery in connection with the incident. He will serve seven years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
On the day of the crime, Amey had arranged a meeting to buy marijuana. Drake and Amey went to Steuben Street and Lincoln Avenue intending to rob Pirzada. Drake then fired the gun, fatally wounding Pirzada in the head.
District Attorney Robert M. Carney praised Detective Aaron Zampella for his thorough interview with Drake, which led to Drake’s confession and the discovery of the gun used in the crime. Carney commended the diligent work of law enforcement in solving the case.
