Albany, NY – 30-year-old Nicholas Anderson of Albany was sentenced to 15 years in State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision before the Hon. William Little in Albany County Court this morning. That sentence will run concurrent to an 8-year sentence he is already serving in a separate case, for a total of 23 years in State Prison.

On March 11, 2024, Anderson pleaded guilty to One Count of Manslaughter in the First Degree in full satisfaction of the indictment, which included One Count of Murder in the Second Degree, and One Count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

The indictment alleged that on or about July 24, 2021, in the area of 3^rd and Oak Streets in the City of Albany, Anderson intentionally caused the death of another person. Specifically, he is accused of causing the death of Rashad Nicholson. Additionally, Anderson was accused of possessing an illegal, loaded firearm on the same date, and at the same location.

Taniesha Nicholson, the victim’s sister, said:

“I’ve never spoken in front of a crowd before. I missed my son’s 8^th grade graduation today, but I wouldn’t miss today… to look you in the face. I believe in God, and he has kept my family and myself as strong as possible. However, the night of July 24^th, you, Nicholas Anderson, made a conscious decision to be a coward and shoot my brother in the back. That night you took a piece of our heart. My siblings and I have always viewed ourselves as a unit, and without Shodie, we are forever incomplete.”

Alyssia Vance, the victim’s girlfriend, said:

“You’re a coward, and I hope you don’t get respect on any ground you step on. I hope every time you breathe, and close your eyes, you see Rashad. I hope he haunts you… Rashad had four beautiful children that have to go the rest of their life without seeing him again, over a split-second decision that you decided to make over something so dumb. My son was only three when you took him, and to this day he looks for his father.”

Kelly Brewington, the victim’s mother, said:

“This trauma of Shodie’s murder, is not the highlight of his life. Shodie was the youngest son of three. I knew that Shodie was a gift from God, because I had him later in life… I think you’re an unhappy and angry man, Trip. That’s your street name, so I’ve been told. Why “trip”? Because you’re unstable, and you need help. You have no conscience, no feelings. You have an evil, cold heart. You do not care about people. With your cold heart, I’m worried that you will kill again.”

Judge Little said:

“Mr. Anderson, you’re right on one thing. This is another black male, killed by another black male. Something that’s all too prevalent in this society. I don’t believe you, that you’re remorseful for this at all.”

Assistant District Attorneys Collin D’Arcy and Marissa Olsen handled the prosecution of this case.

All parties are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty