Elderly Queens Man Sentenced Following Fatal Shooting

A 67-year-old man from Queens has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing an unlicensed revolver. This follows an incident where he shot and killed a man during a robbery attempt.

Charles Fehner entered his plea on Thursday, resolving a case that dated back over two years. He fatally shot Cody Gonzalez, a man who allegedly lunged at him while he was outside his home in Kew Gardens.

The Queens District Attorney did not charge Fehner with murder. He claimed he was defending himself against an attacker who seemed to have a knife, but it turned out to be just a pen.

Despite the self-defense claim, prosecutors charged Fehner with multiple weapon violations, asserting that he had several unregistered firearms, including handguns and rifles, in his residence.

At the hearing in Queens Supreme Court, Fehner’s attorney, Thomas Kenniff, mentioned that his client agreed to a plea deal to avert a trial, although the firearms charge could carry a maximum sentence of 25 years, which might be straightforward to demonstrate in court.

Kenniff labeled Fehner a “hero” who found himself in a challenging situation due to New York City’s strict gun laws, which complicate firearm ownership for lawful residents.

“In a fairer system, Mr. Fehner would be receiving accolades instead of serving time,” he commented to the media outside the courthouse.

Kenniff also criticized the lawmakers in New York City and Albany for continuously limiting the rights of lawful citizens to possess firearms. He referenced previous high-profile cases he had defended, asserting that if constitutional rights were upheld, Fehner wouldn’t face these charges.

After the early morning shooting incident near his home, Fehner had explained to authorities that he carried a silver revolver for personal safety in the city.

Footage from security cameras captured Gonzalez, the would-be robber, continuing to advance toward Fehner, even after he brandished his firearm.

Fehner accepted the plea deal, which is set to lead to his sentencing on January 14. However, Judge Toni Cimino granted him the opportunity to spend Christmas with his wife before the sentence is imposed, despite opposition from the Queens prosecutor’s office, which recommended detention during the holiday.

Kenniff expressed gratitude for the judge’s decision, emphasizing the importance of allowing Fehner some time with his family during the festive season.