19-year-old fatally shot in Syracuse was Army soldier stationed at Fort Drum

Syracuse, N.Y. — A 19-year-old from Georgia who was killed in Syracuse Monday night was an Army solider stationed at Fort Drum, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.

Malik Sharif Shipman, of Fairburn, Georgia, was shot in the midsection in the 300 block of Parkway Drive at 11:14 p.m. on Independence Day, said Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a spokesperson for the Syracuse police. Fairburn is a small city about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta.

Shipman was an active member of the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Drum, First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph T. Coolican said Tuesday. Fort Drum, just outside Watertown, is home for the Army’s 10th Mountain Division.

Shipman, ranked Private First Class in the Army, was a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 642nd Engineer Support Company, 46th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Fort Drum.

During his time at Fort Drum, Shipman completed the Combat Lifesavers Course and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with PFC Shipman’s family and fellow soldiers,” said LTC Jon-Paul Depreo, 46th Engineer Brigade commander. “PFC Shipman’s compassion for his fellow soldiers will be missed.”

On Monday night, Shipman was rushed to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse after he was shot, but he later died, Malinowski said.

A vigil was held Tuesday night near the corner of Parkway Drive and Shelbourne Place, close to where he was shot. It was organized by a few friends Shipman had recently made in Syracuse.

Candles spelled out his name “MALIK” and three heart-shaped red balloons floated over the spot were Shipman was shot.

Shipman was in Syracuse Monday night for a Fourth of July party, a friend at the vigil said Tuesday night. The friend said he would frequently come to Syracuse for parties and to spend time with friends.

“He was the life of the party,” she said. “He was always smiling.”

Shipman graduated from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia in 2020.

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call (315) 442-5222.

Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.