David Hardy has been charged with felony counts of second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon following the investigation into the fatal shooting that took McKenzie’s life while she was a passenger in a car driving near the intersection of Chestnut Place and 3rd Street.
The 22-year-old was arraigned on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains remanded to the Westchester County Jail.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, McKenzie was a passenger in the car when she was struck in the head by a stray bullet that was allegedly intended for another man involved in gang activity. McKenzie was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A second victim was also struck in the shooting, suffering non-life threatening injuries.
A star for both the Mount Vernon Junior Knights, Lady Elites and the High School JV Lady Knights, McKenzie had dreams of attending the University of Connecticut to play under coach Geno Auriemma before making her way to the WNBA.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas said that Hardy was a seasonal employee for the city, and his position was terminated in December after he failed to show up for his assignment. He was hired by a former administrator, who is no longer working for the city.
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