A Troy man convicted of killing an Albany hip-hop artist was sentenced on Thursday to up to life in prison.

Tyshaun Purvis, 33, shot and killed Dominique Eley in Albany in July 2022 near North Pearl Street and Livingston Avenue.  

Eley performed all over the East Coast and also created youth advocacy programs in Albany.  

Purvis was convicted in May. He received 25 years to life in prison on the murder charge and another nine years on a drug charge. He also getting more prison time for a weapons conviction last week in Rensselaer County. He is facing at least 40 years in prison.

Eley’s parents delivered powerful victim impact statements.

The victim’s mother, Deborah Eley, said it is a tragedy to the community any time black bodies are disposed of. The family has been traumatized. She said she would pray for Purvis.

“I hope that in your incarceration that you will find a new way, a new thinking and a new heart,” she said.

Father Gary Eley said the Dominique was his “heart,” and he held up something Dominique made for him as a child.  

“I kiss it every day because I miss her. You took her life over $1,500, I heard. Why? Because you’re a killer. You don’t deserve to live.”

Her aunt, Robyn Jones, also weighed in.

“My flesh wants to hate you, but the God I serve says I must forgive you, so I stand here today to say ‘I forgive you’. Nobody wins here. We lost, your mom lost, and you lost.”

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Carty said Purvis shot Eley three times in the back for money. That is all he was concerned about.

Judge William Little also had harsh words for the defendant.

“You are a cold-blooded killer. You are a menace to this community, you’ve always been a menace to this community based on what I’ve seen in your records, and I don’t see any reason why you should be given another opportunity to walk the streets of Albany County,” he said.

Purvis declined to speak when give the opportunity.

His attorney said her client maintains his innocent and plans to appeal.