Syracuse Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Gun Possession in Fatal Shooting
Bernard Brumfield, 21, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Wednesday for possessing a 9 mm handgun on December 28, 2020, the same night A’salic Parham, 25, was fatally shot in the 600 block of Ballantyne Road in Syracuse. Brumfield pleaded guilty to the gun possession charge as part of a plea deal that saw a murder charge against him dropped.
Judge Gordon Cuffy said that while the murder charge was dropped, there was evidence that Brumfield was in the car with the alleged shooter and even handed the shooter the gun used to kill Parham. Cuffy said that Brumfield’s role in the incident was not insignificant, as he played a part in the events that led to Parham’s death.
Brumfield’s attorney, Michael Kasmarek, said that his client took responsibility for his part in the crime. He also said that Brumfield’s young age and the fact that he completed his GED and got married while in jail contributed to the negotiations that led to his guilty plea. Kasmarek said that he believes Brumfield can have a bright future ahead of him after he is released from prison.
Brumfield was the second of three people charged with Parham’s death. Parham was shot six times and later died at Upstate University Hospital. Zaira Goodin, 20, was arrested in May 2021 and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December 2022 in exchange for 18 years to life in prison. Prosecutors have never commented on her role in Parham’s death. She has not yet been sentenced.
Vanico Spaights, 19, was arrested in June 2023 and charged with Parham’s death. Spaights’ case is still pending.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime, and public safety. If you have a tip, story idea, question, or comment, you can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
