09/22/2023
Nicole duFresne, a promising young actress and a vibrant presence in New York City's arts scene, had a bright future ahead of her when her life was abruptly and senselessly taken in a shocking act of violence. Born in 1977, Nicole duFresne was a native of Oregon who moved to New York City to pursue her passion for acting and theater. She quickly became involved in the city's vibrant arts community, performing in off-Broadway productions and immersing herself in the creative energy of the city.
On the night of January 27, 2005, Nicole duFresne and her fiancé, Jeffrey Sparks, along with a group of friends, were enjoying a night out in New York City's Lower East Side. They had just left a bar called The Pioneer when they encountered a group of young men on the street. An altercation ensued, reportedly starting with a dispute over a cigarette. One of the men in the group, Rudy Fleming, became confrontational and aggressive. Witnesses say that Fleming struck one of Nicole's friends, prompting Jeffrey Sparks to step in and defend his friends. In a shocking and senseless act, Rudy Fleming pulled out a .357 Magnum revolver and fired a single shot, which struck Nicole duFresne in the chest. She collapsed on the sidewalk, and despite immediate efforts to save her, she tragically passed away at the scene.
Rudy Fleming, who was only 19 years old at the time of the shooting, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Fleming ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.
