Queens Tribune

A Jamaica man was convicted for the second time of murder in the 2002 shooting death of 27-year-old Josiah Salley.

Oliver Berry, 29, was convicted last Wednesday of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

According to trial testimony, Berry approached Salley with a handgun after a traffic dispute in July 2002 and fired seven times at the vehicle, fatally striking him in the arm and chest. Korin Bush, 30, Salley’s passenger, was not harmed. Berry then fled.

The case was profiled on the television show “America’s Most Wanted” in March 2004. The following month a woman told police that she recognized Berry from the show and provided an address where Berry was living in Brooklyn. Police raided the home and found Berry hiding in a closet.

Berry was originally convicted in April 2005 and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. But a retrial was granted in March 2008 after a portion of an investigating detective’s testimony was ruled inadmissible by an appellate court.

“For a second time, a jury has found the defendant guilty of a violent and senseless slaying committed with an illegal gun. Though justice had to wait, justice has now been served. The actions of the defendant, who was a fugitive for nearly two years after the shooting, warrant imposition of a lengthy prison sentence to punish him and protect society,” Queens DA Richard Brown said.

Berry faces up to 40 years to life in prison when he is sentenced.