WHITE PLAINS, NY – July 14, 2026 – The White Plains Department of Public Safety today announced the arrest of 43-year-old Shawn R. McLaurin of Yonkers, in connection with the 2021 murder of Shawn Jefferson.
On December 31, 2021, at approximately 11:51 PM, White Plains police officers responded to a reported shooting in the vicinity of 115 North Kensico Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, Shawn Jefferson, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Jefferson was transported to White Plains Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 12:29 AM on January 1, 2022.
Following an extensive, long-term investigation led by White Plains Detective Kristin Faulkner, and supported by the White Plains Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking Mr. McLaurin to the crime.
On July 12, 2026, members of the White Plains Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office took Mr. McLaurin into custody. He was subsequently transported to the White Plains Police Department for booking and processing. Mr. McLaurin has been charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree (NYS Penal Law Section 125.25, A2 felony). Additional charges remain under consideration following consultation with the Westchester District Attorney’s Office.
Mr. McLaurin was arraigned in White Plains City Court on July 13, 2026, and remanded to the Westchester County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17, 2026.
“When handling a case, our detectives follow the evidence relentlessly to ensure we find the right suspect,” Commissioner Wade C. Hardy said. “Cases of this magnitude are not solved overnight, and there should be no time limit to ensure the investigation is done correctly so that justice for the victim and the victim’s family can be served appropriately and with confidence.”
“This week’s arrest, five years after the fatal shooting of Mr. Jefferson, is a testament of the fact that no victim is forgotten by my office” says Westchester District Attorney, Susan
Cacace. “Our prosecutors have worked diligently since the day of his murder to identify and apprehend a suspect. I hope that beginning the process for accountability can bring a
measure of closure for Mr. Jefferson’s family. We will keep them in our thoughts and support them throughout this process. I also want to offer particular commendation to the White Plains Department of Public Safety, whose leadership on this case, in conjunction with my Cold Case Bureau and Criminal Investigators Squad, was indispensable in bringing about the defendant’s arrest.”
The White Plains Department of Public Safety commends the diligent work of its department members—both active and recently retired—and expresses gratitude to its partners in the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. We hope this brings closure to the family of Mr. Jefferson and reassures all of our residents and visitors that this city remains safe, and our public safety department will do everything we can to keep it that way.
