Rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison today (June 1) in a New York court for shooting and wounding two people during a dispute between rap impresario Sean “Puffy” Combs and another man in a Times Square nightclub. Barrow admitted at trial that he pulled out a gun and fired during the fracas at Club New York on Dec. 27, 1999.
Before handing down the sentence, state Supreme Court Justice Charles Solomon called Barrow smart, talented, and charitable but said he couldn’t lose sight of the fact that Barrow had fired a gun in a nightclub that was ”as crowded as a subway in rush hour.”
While holding the hand of one of his lawyers, Barrow, 22, recited the Lord’s Prayer and then apologized to the court and his victims. He told Solomon that he was not a threat to society and asked for leniency.
Barrow was charged with first-degree assault, gun possession, and reckless endangerment. His co-defendants — Combs and his bodyguard, Anthony “Wolf” Jones — were acquitted of bribery and gun possession.
According to a statement released by Combs, an appeal is likely. “Shyne’s sentence is unfair and extreme as I know he had no intention of hurting anyone,” Combs said. “My prayers are with him and his family. I’m shocked by today’s outcome. I will continue to support Shyne throughout his appeal.”
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