NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Tairus White-Edney, age 20, of New Rochelle and Richard Faulkner, aged 35 of New Rochelle appeared via Microsoft Teams video from holding cells this afternoon before Judge Jared R. Rice in New Rochelle City Court. The pair were arrested last night following an incident where, police say, Faulkner shot White-Edney in the foot while attempting to shoot someone else.
During the proceedings, Faulkner denied even having a gun, but Judge Rice cut him off, “that’s a defense you make, but I advise you to say nothing and speak to your lawyer.”
Faulkner is charged with Assault — First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon — Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment — First Degree. White-Edney is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon Second Degree-Loaded Firearm. A .380 handgun was recovered from his residence, according to police.
Police believe Faulkner fired at an unknown target on Colonel Lee Archer Boulevard, at which time a round struck White-Edney in the foot. It does not appear that White-Edney was the intended target.
White-Edney went first, represented by Legal Aid Attorney Courtney McGowan.
Westchester County District Attorney’s Office ADA Phil Mellea sought bail, noting that White-Edney had two violent felonies in the past six months. White-Edney is facing similar Criminal Possession of a Weapon charges in Mount Vernon dating back to January 2021.
McGowan argued for a low bail because White-Edney has ties to the community, he graduated from New Rochelle High School, that he lives with his mother and previously worked at the Remington Boys & Girls Club, before it was torn down.
Judge Rice determined that as White-Edney is “facing serious exposure” he is a flight risk. Bail was set at $100,000 cash, $250,000 bond or $250,000 partial bond with a return date of June 24.
Rice addressed White-Edney from the bench, saying that at 20 years old he ought to have many years ahead of him to be productive, but there was “a pattern of this” occurring which Rice described as “disturbing and frightening”, calling on White-Edney “to do better.”
Faulkner went second, represented by David Rifas. The matter was brief because Faulkner had two prior felony convictions, so the New Rochelle City Court does not have jurisdiction to here a bail application. Rice noted that Faulkner was facing a C felony. The case will likely be transferred to Westchester County Court.