On the night of October 1, 2023, 56-year-old Leo Colter was found on a park bench in McPherson Square shortly before 10 p.m. First responders initially treated him for a suspected overdose with Narcan, but a forensic examination showed he had died of a gunshot wound to the upper back. Colter was described by an advocate for the unhoused as a harmless man who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues and often sought refuge in the park.

Investigators say Colter was an innocent bystander hit during a retaliatory shooting tied to a turf dispute between rival drug groups identified as the Park Crew and the Shake Shack crew. Surveillance footage later became important to the inquiry; police say images showed clothing and a vehicle linked to a suspect. On February 16, 2024, authorities arrested 41-year-old Marques Johnson and charged him with first-degree murder while armed. In January 2025, a second arrest was reported: 22-year-old Andrew Ellis was also charged with first-degree murder while armed and is alleged to have been seen in footage leaving the scene in Johnson’s vehicle.

Does anyone have information about Leo’s time at McPherson Square or the shooting that could help the investigation?