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Guilty Pleas by Shaquille Daniels and Tyshawn Horton

District Attorney

On November 1, 2022, Shaquille Daniels (dob: 8/13/1992), also known as “Smash”, a resident of the City of Schenectady, pled guilty to one count of Burglary in the First Degree, a class B violent felony and a violation of New York State Penal Law Section 140.30[4]. The plea occurred in Schenectady County Court on the morning that jury selection for trial was scheduled to begin. By his guilty plea to Burglary in the First Degree, Mr. Daniels admitted under oath to entering or remaining unlawfully in a dwelling while displaying what appeared to be a firearm. The plea of guilty covered the remaining seven [7] counts of the indictment. Those additional counts were Menacing in the Second Degree, three [3] counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, and three [3] counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, all of which are Class A misdemeanors.

The charges stem from a home invasion burglary in the City of Schenectady on November 17, 2020, just before 10:00 pm. On that date and time, Mr. Daniels, and his co-defendant Tyshawn Horton, also known as “Meech,” kicked in the front door of an apartment. The door was kicked so hard that it was knocked off the frame. Once inside, Mr. Daniels pulled out a small handgun threatening an adult male in the home. Mr. Horton sought to attack a female occupant of the house with whom he had a prior relationship. Mr. Daniels and Mr. Horton broke the front door and two televisions while inside the home, giving rise to the Criminal Mischief charges. The resident of the home had three children who were awake and aware of the break in, giving rise to the three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Mr. Daniels and Mr. Horton fled the scene before police arrived. The victim’s account was corroborated by photos taken by the Schenectady Police showing the damage to the residence. None of the victims were physically injured during the home invasion. Mr. Horton’s identity was immediately known to the witnesses. Mr. Daniels identity was not determined until several days later as he was only known to the witnesses as “Smash.” Mr. Daniels' identity as “Smash” is in part corroborated by the large tattoo on his forearm with “Smash” spelled out accompanied by an image of the comic book character the “Incredible Hulk.”

Mr. Daniels will receive a sentence of ten [10] years of state incarceration followed by a five [5] year period of post-release supervision. Sentencing is expected to occur on January 24, 2023. At sentencing, full orders of protection will be issued for the maximum period allowed by law for the victims, including the children. Further, the defendant will be ordered to pay restitution for damage to the property of the victims. The plea was entered before Schenectady County Court Judge Matthew J. Sypniewski. The People are represented by Special Victim’s Bureau Chief John J. Carson. Mr. Daniels is represented by Attorney Kyle Davis. 

Mr. Horton previously pled guilty on August 30, 2022, to Burglary in the Second Degree a Class C violent felony and a violation of New York State Penal Law Section 140.25[2]. Mr. Horton is to receive a seven [7] year prison sentence with five [5] years of parole at sentencing. Mr. Horton will also have the same orders of protection and restitution ordered as Mr. Daniels. At that plea, also entered before Judge Sypniewski, the People were represented by Special Victim’s Bureau Chief John J. Carson, and Mr. Horton was represented by Attorney Opal Hinds.

For further information contact Assistant District Attorney John J. Carson at 518-810-7365.