Hempstead shooting victim identified, investigation continues

Nassau County police identified a person fatally shot Friday night in Hempstead as a 37-year-old Hempstead man.

Ricky Ward, 37, of Hempstead, was found at about 12:30 a.m. after the ShotSpotter system alerted Hempstead Village police to a shooting in the 100 block of Elizabeth Avenue about 12:30 a.m., police said.

Police said Ward was found outside a residence, on the ground with an “apparent gunshot wound.” He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:36 a.m.

The shooting happened several blocks from the Kennedy Memorial Park recreation center where about 50 people on Tuesday attended a meeting about crime in the community, including a resurgence in gang activity.

Detectives ask anyone with information on Friday’s shooting to call Nassau Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.