Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Nikeya Barker, 44, of Bay Shore, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly stabbing and killing former love interest Shurvell Rush.
“This case represents a disturbing instance of interpersonal violence that ended in tragedy,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and seek justice for the victim.”
According to the investigation, on May 3, 2025, at around 6:45 p.m., Suffolk County Police responded to the parking lot of Railroad Plaza in Bay Shore where they discovered the body of Shurvell Rush, 47, of Central Islip, with a stab wound to the chest. Rush was transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Suffolk County Police collected surveillance videos from surrounding businesses and residences. That recovered video footage allegedly depicts Barker, with a large knife in her hand, following the decedent into the parking lot where his body was ultimately discovered by police. The recovered footage further allegedly depicts Barker discarding that same knife in bushes just feet away and thereafter fleeing the scene.
The defendant, who had previously dated Rush, allegedly confronted him at the Bay Shore train station, moments before the stabbing, about an incident that occurred during the course of their prior relationship. Barker then followed Rush to a complex of townhouses adjacent to the train station where she is alleged to have stabbed him in the parking lot. A large knife with what appeared to be blood was allegedly recovered from the crime scene, in the patch of bushes where surveillance video had allegedly depicted Barker discarding it.
On May 6, 2025, Barker surrendered to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
On May 19, 2025, Barker was arraigned on the indictment before Acting County Court Judge James McDonaugh for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. Judge McDonaugh ordered Barker remanded without bail during the pendency of the case. Barker is due back in court on July 2, 2025, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. She is represented by George Duncan, Esq. and Robert Macedonio, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michelle Chiuchiolo of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Adam Quinones of the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.