Viewing, wake Friday for Carey Gabay, Cuomo aide shot before West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn
CROWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WABC) -- A viewing and wake was held Friday for Carey Gabay, an aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo who was shot in Brooklyn before the West Indian Day Parade during a pre-dawn party.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane were among those attending the viewing. Gov. Cuomo is expected to speak at the private funeral Saturday.
The 43-year-old Gabay died earlier this month.
His family released a statement on Monday saying, "Carey Gabay, our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on September 15th. A talented lawyer and public servant, Carey, 43, was taken away from us too soon after he was the innocent victim of senseless violence. He is no longer with us but his legacy will live on."
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Brooklyn's Emmanuel Baptist Church, where Carey and his wife, Trenelle, are members of the congregation. The church is located at 279 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Saturday, Sept. 26th, 2015
Funeral:
Private (invitation only)
Burial:
Private (invitation only)
Those wishing to make donations to the family can visit www.careygabay.com. Mementos, cards and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to The Gabay Family, 137 Montague Street, Suite 385, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Flowers may be sent to the Emmanuel Baptist Church c/o The Gabay Family, 279 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
The NYPD is now using facial recognition software to try to track down the gunman, who police believe is a local gang member. Authorities say he opened fire at a rival among hundreds who were peacefully enjoying the festivities, striking the first deputy counsel to the governor at about 3:47 a.m.
"We are all incredibly saddened by the news from Carey Gabay's family," Gov. Cuomo said in a statement. "I ask that all New Yorkers please join me in keeping both Carey and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
The suspect is described as a black man in his late teens or early 20s who was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants. He had a beard and was draped in a Jamaican flag.
Detectives have collected more than 300 videos from the scene.
The NYPD is offering a $22,500 reward to try to find the killer.
RELATED STORIES:
Video released of two suspects wanted in shooting of aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Sketch released in shooting of Cuomo aide; Eric Adams looks to increase parade safety
Gov. Cuomo aide still critical in induced coma; $12,500 reward offered in shooting
