Police apprehend teenage suspect in Baltimore for fatal Harlem robbery shooting

Law enforcement officials have reported the arrest of Zaire Allen, a 19-year-old suspect wanted for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in the death of Alonza Georgia in Harlem. Allen was extradited from Baltimore and charged with murder, robbery, and gun possession in connection to Georgia’s death at NYCHA’s St. Nicholas Houses. The victim was shot in the chest around 9 p.m. on March 26 within the building on W. 131st St. near Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., passing away a day later at Harlem Hospital. Allen resides in Philadelphia according to authorities. He was arraigned at Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday and ordered to be held without bail. 

Elaine Francis, the mother of Alonza Georgia, shared that her son was fondly remembered by friends and family. “A gentle giant, a teddy bear,” Francis told the Daily News. “Everybody said good things. He was a good brother. They’d sit on the phone: ‘I love you! I love you too! I love you more.’ Gift of gab. That smile.” The victim worked as a deliveryman. Francis expressed her desire for justice for her son, stating, “My son should definitely still be here. I want a conviction. I want justice for my son.”  A memorial for the victim has been set up outside the building on W. 131st St. where the shooting took place.