Man charged in Albany’s first homicide of 2024 gets 35 years in prison

A man charged with murder in Albany’s first homicide of 2024 was sentenced on Friday to 35 years in prison.

John Stanfield, 43, shot Ozzie Gardner, 44, in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2024. It happened around Judson and Second streets just before 12:45 a.m., according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.

Gardner was treated on scene, but later died at Albany Medical Center.

The killing stemmed from an argument at a New Year’s Eve party that spilled out into the street, according to prosecutors.

Judge Roger McDonough said at sentencing that Stanfield’s actions showed little appreciation for the sanctity of human life.

“This is just another death in the laundry list of deaths for no reason here in Albany County, which sadly happens all too often,” McDonough said.

Stanfield apologized to Gardner’s family.

He received 25 years on the manslaughter charge and 10 years for criminal possession of a weapon. The sentences are to be served consecutively.