A prosecutor informed the jury on Wednesday during the murder trial of a stepfather that a 14-year-old boy from Mount Vernon was tragically shot last year, as the stepfather allegedly supplied the weapon and encouraged the shooter to “do what he has to do.”
Phillip Ferrell, 48, faces serious charges including second-degree murder, along with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, hindering prosecution, and tampering with physical evidence related to the events surrounding the March 9, 2023, death of Fernandez in the courtyard of the Levister Towers apartment complex.
Tyrese Coghiel has admitted to the murder charge and has consented to assist the prosecution. If he provides honest testimony, his murder conviction could be downgraded to manslaughter, potentially saving him from a life sentence, and he would face a 15-year prison term.
On the morning of the incident, Coghiel and a family member were assisting Ferrell with his move from his apartment in Levister Towers to Yonkers.
Fernandez was spending time with a couple of other teens — one being Ferrell’s nephew. Upon encountering Coghiel, they inquired if he was “rolling,” a term used to refer to involvement with a gang. Coghiel pressed on, and soon after, he encountered the trio once more. This time, one individual was armed with a firearm while another wielded a blade.
Once more, Coghiel turned and left, prompting Ferrell to erupt in anger towards his nephew. Murphy revealed that tensions had been brewing between them, as Ferrell believed his nephew had previously taken something from him.
Ferrell headed up to his apartment to retrieve the keys. However, Murphy stated that at that point, there was no longer a “imminent threat” since the nephew and Fernandez had moved to the opposite side of the building.
“The decision has been made,” Murphy remarked as Ferrell came back, approached the trunk, opened a lockbox, and unveiled a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The prosecutor indicated that Coghiel was already aware of the expected actions when Ferrell instructed him “to do what he had to do.”
Coghiel seized the firearm, pursued the trio, and discharged at least five rounds. Although Ferrell’s nephew was the intended target, it was Fernandez who was struck in the back and ultimately collapsed in the courtyard.
Murphy informed the jurors that video footage would subsequently reveal Coghiel being dropped off at his girlfriend’s apartment, where he concealed the gun in clothing and placed it under a bed. Footage would additionally depict Ferrell visiting the location to collect the firearm, as Murphy indicated, he was aware it linked him to the homicide.
Coghiel was taken into custody a few days later in Brooklyn. A firearm was subsequently discovered in a lockbox alongside ammunition and two makeshift explosive devices located in the oven of Ferrell’s residence in Yonkers.
Ferrell was initially confronted with charges related to the weapon, as well as hindering and tampering allegations. However, the murder charge was introduced in a subsequent indictment following Coghiel’s revelation of his stepfather’s involvement.