The friends and family of both a slain anti-gang activist and the man accused of killing him almost came to blows outside First District Court in Hempstead Saturday at the suspect?s arraignment.

Tyrel Cason pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Police say 24-year-old Hykiem Coney was shot twice in October after leaving a Hempstead Turnpike bar. Coney was a former gang member turned activist. At first police thought his anti-gang stance may have been a factor in his shooting. However, investigators say Tyrel Cason shot into a crowd of people and believe Coney was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Witnesses at the bar identified Cason, of Roosevelt. Police tracked him down in Harrisburg, where he was reportedly staying with relatives. Police also arrested 22-year-old Erik Corse and charged him with hindering the prosecution. Police say he drove Cason away from the crime scene..

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