Poughkeepsie High School Senior Killed in Shooting

Hours after playing in a basketball game in Dutchess County a Poughkeepsie scholar-athlete was killed in a shooting. Police say he was an innocent bystander.

City of Poughkeepsie Police confirmed 18-year-old Caval Haylett of Poughkeepsie was tragically killed in a cross fire of bullets Wednesday evening.

City of Poughkeepsie Police say just before 10:00 p.m. Wednesday an Haylett was shot once while standing with a group in front of 104 Winnikee Avenue. Police believe several shots were fired initially, followed by many more shots a few seconds later.

Just before 3:00 p.m. Thursday the Haylett died at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Another 18 year-old Poughkeepsie resident was hit in the arm while walking through the intersection of Bement and Harrison Street. Police believe both victims were not the intended targets.

On social media, friends described Haylett as an honor roll student who was ambitious and respectful. Less than two hours before he was tragically killed he posted on social media about how proud he was to end his high school basketball career by scoring 21 points in Dutchess County Exceptional Senior Game

“The entire City of Poughkeepsie morns with a heavy heart the loss of a young life,” Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison said in a press release. “Too often, we hear of senseless acts of violence taking the lives of young people in our Country. Today, this tragedy has struck our city.”

Police say most of the people left the scene as police arrived. Police are asking anyone who was in the area of 104 Winnikee to call City of Poughkeepsie Police at 451-7577.