Stephen Primm, of Bay Shore, charged in shooting death of New Cassel man, police say

Nassau County police have charged a Bay Shore man in a fatal New Year's Day shooting in New Cassel.

Stephen Primm, 34, was charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon on Saturday, police said.

The incident followed an argument between the victim, Joseph Fountain, 40, of New Cassel and a third man, police said.

The suspect allegedly intervened in the argument, shooting Fountain four times with a 9 mm handgun, according to Nassau police Det. Lt. Commander George Darienzo.

Darienzo told Newsday that the three men were "acquaintances."

Primm pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Sunday in Nassau District Court, according to court records, which said he was remanded to custody without bail.

Defense attorney Raymond Queliz told Newsday Sunday evening, "I look forward to receiving discovery and fighting the case in the best way possible to the fullest extent of the law." 

According to police, they received a 911 call early Thursday and officers arrived on the scene at Railroad Avenue just after 2 a.m. After performing life-saving procedures at the scene, Fountain was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Darienzo said witnesses to the shooting were able to identify the suspect, which led to Primm's arrest Saturday.

Newsday's Janon Fisher contributed to this story.