WYANDANCH, NY – A Pennsylvania man has been indicted in connection with the 2019 shooting death of his longtime friend, whose body was discovered in a wooded area of Wyandanch, prosecutors announced.
Gerald Neal, 50, is accused of fatally shooting 40-year-old Terrance Mitchell and later disposing of his body. He was arraigned on September 22, 2025, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
Investigators said Mitchell’s body was found on May 30, 2019, by a sanitation worker on Spruce Lane in Wyandanch. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined he had been shot multiple times, and a .22 caliber bullet was recovered from his body.
Two days earlier, on May 28, Mitchell was allegedly seen entering the passenger side of a maroon Honda tied to Neal in Brooklyn. He was wearing clothing consistent with what was later found on him at the crime scene.
Neal was arrested on June 5, 2019, in Queens after being spotted by the U.S. Marshals Service and NYPD. Police reported finding a .22 caliber pistol in the back seat of his car, a spent casing on the driver’s side floor, and blood stains inside the vehicle.
Justice Ambro ordered Neal held without bail pending trial. He is scheduled to return to court on October 21, 2025. If convicted on the top count, Neal faces 25 years to life in prison. He is represented by attorney Keith O’Halloran.
Wyandanch Murder Case
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Gerald Neal, 50, of Pennsylvania |
| Victim | Terrance Mitchell, 40 |
| Relationship | Lifelong friends |
| Incident Date | May 28, 2019 |
| Body Discovered | May 30, 2019 — wooded area of Spruce Lane, Wyandanch |
| Arrest Date | June 5, 2019 (Queens, by U.S. Marshals Service and NYPD) |
| Indictment Date | September 22, 2025 |
| Charges | – Murder in the Second Degree (Class A felony) – Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C felonies) |
| Potential Sentence | 25 years to life in prison if convicted |
| Judge | Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro |
| Defense Attorney | Keith O’Halloran, Esq. |
| Next Court Date | October 21, 2025 |
Q&A Wyandanch Murder Case
What is Murder in the Second Degree in New York?
Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, typically involves intentionally causing the death of another person without premeditation. If convicted, the sentence can range from 25 years to life in prison.
Why did this case take years to bring to indictment?
While the body was discovered in 2019 and Neal was arrested shortly afterward, homicide cases often require extensive investigation, evidence gathering, forensic analysis, and witness corroboration. Prosecutors indicated that it took years to build a case strong enough to present to a grand jury.
What evidence was found linking Neal to the crime?
Authorities reported finding a .22 caliber pistol in Neal’s car, along with a spent casing and blood stains. Forensic evidence tied the weapon to the shooting, and surveillance or witness accounts placed the victim in Neal’s vehicle shortly before his death.
What happens next in court?
Neal remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on October 21, 2025. At future hearings, pretrial motions will be considered, and if no plea deal is reached, the case could proceed to trial.
