Man convicted of killing dancer O'Shae Sibley in Brooklyn sentenced to 20 years

The man convicted of manslaughter in the death of O'Shae Sibley, a professional dancer, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a judge Thursday in a New York City courtroom. 

Dmitriy Popov, 20, will spend two decades behind bars for the hate-motivated fatal stabbing of Sibley, 23, at a gas station in 2023. The incident happened during a confrontation that began when a group of young people shouted racist and anti-gay slurs at Sibley and his friends, who were dancing.

Popov, who was 17 at the time, testified at trial that he was defending himself when he pulled out a knife and stabbed Sibley in the chest.

Prosecutors said Popov acted out of hate after taunting and jeering at Sibley, calling his actions "a direct assault on the fundamental right of a protected group to exist safely in public spaces."   

Popov was acquitted of the more serious charge of murder as a hate crime, which carried the potential of a life sentence. He ultimately faced up to 25 years. 

The judge issued a 20-year sentence for manslaughter and 1-year sentences each for three other charges to be served concurrently.

Popov will have five years of post-release supervision. 

Prior to sentencing, Popov's attorney argued to have him classified under youthful offender status because "17-year-olds are not fully formed adults," but the request was denied. 

Courtroom moved to tears

O'Shae Sibley's family, including his mother, other relatives and friends, were crying and shaking during Popov's sentencing hearing. They said no sentence would be enough to make up for losing their loved one forever. 

"He killed the wrong boy. He killed the wrong boy," Sibley's mother, Onetha Sibley, said.

"If he would've got life, I still wouldn't be able to talk to my little brother," Sibley's brother said.   

None of Sibley's loved ones addressed Popov during their emotional remarks to the court. Instead, they focused on letting the judge know how much Sibley meant to them and people who held marches in response to his death all over the world. 

One described Sibley as "one of the fiercest dancers I've ever met," adding, "we both had big Broadway dreams." 

Another, also a member of the Black queer community, said, "I walk in constant fear." 

Killer addresses victim's family

Popov asked the judge if he could turn to face Sibley's family for his remarks, but was told to stay facing forward. In a low voice, he then apologized and asked for forgiveness. 

"This had nothing to do with race, sexuality ... had nothing to do with that ... I just wish I could take it back. Sorry," Popov said. 

Popov's mother grew emotional outside of court after her son's sentencing, claiming he was protecting himself during the fatal stabbing. 

"He just was so scared. He really was afraid," she said, insisting her son feels regret. 

Onetha Sibley said, in order to move forward, she forgave her son's killer, even though her family did not believe the apology. 

"Just hope he get it right, and do right. 'Cause he's not gonna be old when he come out," she said. 

Details of the trial

The three-week trial ended in June with a jury finding Popov not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter and a host of other charges, including second-degree menacing, second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez commended the verdict after it was read. 

"It is my hope that as the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the beginning of Pride Month, this verdict will bring O'Shae's family, his friends, and the larger community some measure of solace. Hate has no place in Brooklyn," Gonzalez said at the time. 

Popov's defense attorney said he would appeal the verdict. 

What happened at the gas station?

Sibley and his friends had stopped at a Midwood gas station after a beach outing on July 29, 2023. While they were pumping gas, one of them began dancing.

A nearby group started to taunt and jeer at the men, some of whom were shirtless and wearing bathing suits.  

The two groups argued for about two minutes, then started to go their separate ways. Sibley's group went back to their car, and most of the other men went back inside the gas station -- except for Popov.

Witnesses said at trial that Popov shouted insults as he recorded with his phone. He denied using any bigoted language.

Sibley then confronted Popov again, lunging around a man who tried to step between the two. Popov said Sibley chased him and punched him in the head. Popov testified that he stabbed Sibley with a blade as he tried to protect himself.