An innocent woman was cut down by gunfire in Brooklyn yesterday, the latest victim of a bullet meant for somebody else. And the heartbroken family of 51-year-old Carrie "Audrey" Johnson said she was just trying to protect her niece when she ran into the middle of a fight.
Johnson, a mother of two, who lives in Jersey, was in front of 149 Clifton Place, the Bed-Stuy home where she grew up, at about 9:30 Sunday night, when her niece's 25-year-old boyfriend, Laquan Williams, was jumped by several men as he got out of his car, officials and family members said.
When Johnson heard the commotion she ran out to protect her niece, and was caught in the middle of the violence and shot in the head. Her 14-year-old nephew Daniel was also shot, hit in the leg, police said.
Johnson originally reported toe wife of World B. Free (born Lloyd Bernard Free), a former NBA all-star guard in the '70s and '80s, who still works with the Philadelphia 76ers as director of community relations. But, reached through the 76er's organization, Free denied that report and said they only had a non-marital relationship some time ago.
"They were never married and this was in the past. While they haven't spoken in quite a while, he does want to extend his condolences to her family and friends," said a publicist for the team.
Johnson's 14-year-old nephew was taken to Kings County Hospital in stable condition where he's still recovering. Laquan Williams, the-25-year old, suffered some cuts to his head and is expected to be fine.
Early Monday police had made no arrests, and were reportedly searching for at least two suspects.
