NYPD using software to search for shooter in Carey Gabay case, sources say

Detectives are using facial recognition software to help in the laborious search for the gunmen in the Labor Day weekend shooting that left a Cuomo administration lawyer critically wounded and on life support, law enforcement sources said.

More than 300 videos have been retrieved from the shooting in which Carey Gabay, 43, was wounded in the head as he tried to take cover in front of 1680 Bedford Ave. in East New York. Gabay has been in critical condition since the shooting and remained on life support Tuesday, police said.

Police said Gabay, a first deputy general counsel working for the Empire State Development Corp., was caught in the crossfire as two rival gangs exchanged gunshots in the pre-dawn hours in the vicinity of Ebbets Field Houses. Gabay was in the area for an early morning party for the start of the West Indian Day parade.

Police have been screening videos and have identified at least three potential suspects and will be examining images to compare them with known suspects whose mug shots are on file, said the officials, who asked not to be named.

But unless the images are of good quality, the facial recognition technology may not get a hit good enough for identification, one of the officials said.

Twenty-seven shell casings from five handguns, including 9-mms, were recovered at the scene, one of the officials said.

Both officials said that three gangs are being considered as possible participants in the shooting: Folk Nation, OTF and 8-Trey Cowboys. The Folk Nation and OTF, also known as "OTField" are considered allies against the other gang, the officials noted.

For now the case involves potential attempted murder charges. But, should Gabay die, the case would become a second-degree murder investigation, said police.

Gabay was hit in the back of the head as he tried to take cover by parked cars on Bedford Avenue, said one official. After he was struck, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called him an "outstanding public servant" and just "a beautiful guy."

About a week ago, police released a sketch of man who is a possible suspect in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.com

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.