Year: 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Twenty-Seven Charged in Connection with Narcotics Trafficking at
Multiple New York City Housing Authority Developments

Six-Month Investigation in Brownsville Followed Complaints Regarding
Drug Activity and Violence in Vicinity of Seth Low Houses

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, today announced that 27 defendants have been variously charged in connection with selling powdered and crack cocaine, heroin and oxycodone pills following an investigation into a major drug trafficking operation at housing developments in Brownsville.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This narcotics takedown underscores the commitment of the NYPD and my office to improving the quality of life and the safety of the hardworking residents of public housing. We are determined to keep the scourge of drug dealing, and the violence that often accompanies it, out of our communities.”

Commissioner O’Neill said, “The NYPD’s efforts to rid New York City of illegal narcotics and the violence associated with drug trafficking will not end. I commend everyone involved in this case, particularly our investigators and the skilled staff of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, who – in close partnership – continue to focus intently on anyone engaging in such behavior.”

Twenty-one of the defendants are named in a 504-count indictment in which they are variously charged with first-, second- and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, first-, second- and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree conspiracy. The six other defendants are variously charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and related charges in four additional indictments (see defendant addendum). Most of the defendants were expected to be arraigned this afternoon before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun.

Through the use of physical and electronic surveillance, it was determined that Hassan Nixon was allegedly a major supplier of cocaine to mid-level dealers operating within various housing developments in Brownsville, including the Seth Low Houses, Glenmore Plaza and the Van Dyke Houses. Hassan Nixon allegedly used alleged Wave Gang member Karon Farrell as his narcotics lieutenant, and together, Nixon and Farrell allegedly controlled the flow of cocaine from elsewhere in New York City into and throughout those housing developments.

Hassan Nixon allegedly supplied his cocaine network with narcotics that he allegedly purchased from multiple sources, including Ronald Langhorne and Louis Peebles. Langhorne and Peebles allegedly purchased cocaine by the kilogram, which they broke down and resold, in both powdered and rock form, in 50 and 100 gram increments to various individuals such as Hassan Nixon. Langhorne allegedly utilized a number of individuals, including Peebles, to assist him in cutting the cocaine, cooking it into crack cocaine, and packaging it for resale.

Hassan Nixon and Ronald Langhorne are each charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker.

The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department Detective Paul Molinaro, with the assistance of Police Officer Michael Lassen and Detective Anibal Torres, of the Brooklyn North Gang Squad, under the supervision of Lieutenant John Costin, and the overall supervision of Captain Craig Edelman.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Owen Sucoff, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Jonathan R. Sennett, VCE Deputy Chief, Assistant District Attorney Alfred C. DeIngeniis, First Deputy Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Nicole Chavis, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division and Mark Feldman, Senior Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations and Crime Strategies.

Defendant Addendum:

1. Hassan Nixon, aka Ha, 39, Brooklyn, NY.
2. Jalil Nixon, aka Hood, 28, Brooklyn, NY.
3. Karon Farrell, aka KK, 27, Brooklyn, NY.
4. Benjamin Clark, aka KB, 47, Brooklyn, NY.
5. Ronald Langhorne, aka Riz, 43, Brooklyn, NY.
6. Louis Peebles, aka Fresh, 35, Brooklyn, NY.
7. Samuel Hayslett, 40, Brooklyn, NY.
8. Hasson Davis, 39, Queens, NY.
9. Massiah House, 37, Brooklyn, NY.
10. Rashawn Bethelmie aka Slump, 30, Brooklyn, NY.
11. Brian Hightower, aka Freaky, 59, Brooklyn, NY.
12. Antoine Nurse, aka Tootie, 49, Brooklyn, NY.
13. Kimani Everett, 27, Staten Island, NY.
14. Norbert Layne, aka Nunu, 47, Brooklyn, NY.
15. Divante New, 25, Brooklyn, NY.
16. Tyrique Kelly, 31, Brooklyn, NY.
17. Jamel Lillard, aka, Bam, 25, Brooklyn, NY.
18. Rayshon Davis, 31, Queens, NY.
19. Luis Ortiz, 39, Brooklyn, NY.
20. Ony Diaz, 26, Brooklyn, NY.
21. Christopher Lowrie, 25, Brooklyn, NY.
22. Emmanuel Sastre, 44, Brooklyn, NY.
23. Rosa Ramos, 28, Brooklyn, NY.
24. David Gonzalez, 28, Brooklyn, NY.
25. Rishon Bliss, 38, Brooklyn, NY.
26. Kristopher Harris, 30, Brooklyn, NY.
27. Brandon Thomas, 28, Brooklyn, NY.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Former Correction Officer, Inmate and Inmate’s Girlfriend Indicted in
Connection with Alleged Attempt to Smuggle Marijuana into Brooklyn Jail

Contraband Detected by Drug Sniffing Dog;
Face Bribe Receiving, Conspiracy and Other Charges

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark G. Peters, today announced that a former correction officer, an inmate and the inmate’s girlfriend have been variously charged with bribery, conspiracy and other charges for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana into the Brooklyn Detention Complex. It is alleged that the correction officer met with the inmate’s girlfriend and received cash and contraband. The marijuana was discovered two days later by a trained canine when the defendant showed up to work.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We expect our public servants to have the utmost integrity, especially when safety is involved. The defendants in this case corrupted this trust and I now intend to hold all of them accountable. My Office will continue to work closely with DOI and other law enforcement partners to make sure that bribery schemes and other forms of corruption are investigated and prosecuted.”

Commissioner Peters said, “Integrity should be the rule for any Correction Officer hired to ensure the safety and security of our City’s jails. This defendant, working with the aid of an inmate and associate, allegedly sold out that core value for cash by attempting to smuggle contraband, according to the charges. DOI and its drug-sniffing canine exposed the scheme. DOI will continue to work with our partners like the Brooklyn District Attorney to stem the flow of dangerous contraband into our jail facilities.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as former Correction Officer Patrick Gaillard, 30, of Brooklyn, Adam Franco, 23, of Staten Island, and Samantha Pereira, 27, of Staten Island. Gaillard and Pereira were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun, who ordered them released without bail. Franco is scheduled to be arraigned next week. All three defendants are charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband and fifth-degree conspiracy. Franco and Pereira are also charged with third-degree bribery. Gaillard is additionally charged with third-degree bribe receiving, third-degree corrupting the government, official misconduct and fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana. The defendants each face up to seven years in prison if convicted of the top count with which they are charged.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between March 18, 2018 and April 4, 2018, phone calls were allegedly placed between Pereira and Franco, her boyfriend who was jailed in the Brooklyn Detention Complex in connection with a pending robbery case in New York County. The conversations included discussions about money, packaging and a meeting with a third party, according to the indictment.

It is alleged that on April 4, 2018, Gaillard met Pereira on Gallatin Place in Downtown Brooklyn and received a quantity of marijuana and $1,150. It is further alleged that on April 6, 2018, at about 7 a.m., when Gaillard showed up to his regularly-scheduled shift at the Brooklyn Detention Complex on Atlantic Avenue, a trained canine alerted investigators to the presence of drugs. A subsequent search recovered about two ounces of marijuana from the defendant’s pants pocket. Gaillard resigned from his job on April 11, 2018.

The case was investigated by DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for DOC, specifically, Investigator Ali Fayad; Assistant Inspector General Carmelo Galarza and K-9 Gunner, under the supervision of Assistant Inspector General Sony Fortune, Assistant Inspector General Gladys Cambi and Deputy Inspectors General Reginald Barometre, Whitney Ferguson and Richard Askin, and overall supervision by Inspector General Dana A. Roth, Associate Commissioner Paul Cronin, Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Susan Lambiase, and First Deputy Commissioner Lesley Brovner.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Renee Hassel and Senior Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Unit Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Mark Feldman, Senior Executive Assistant for Crime Strategies and Investigations.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Bedford-Stuyvesant Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Fatally Shooting Neighbor Over Financial Dispute

Defendant Called Victim to Lure Him Out of Apartment; Shot Victim Five Times

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 36-year-old Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting his neighbor five times in the stairwell of their building over an $8 dispute.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant stalked and lured a man out of his home to settle a score. His cruel actions ended a man’s life and placed everyone in the building in danger. We will not tolerate this type of violence and will continue to prosecute anyone who takes the law into their own hands.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Christopher Chandler, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to 25 years to life in prison following his conviction last month on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon after a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on April 21, 2016, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the defendant called the victim, Kenric Tomlin, 45, on the phone to lure him out of his apartment at 940 Gates Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendant and Tomlin were neighbors and acquaintances. After Tomlin exited his apartment, the defendant shot him in the stairwell of the building. Tomlin fell into the hallway and the defendant executed him by shooting two more times. Tomlin was shot a total of five times in the back and torso. He was taken to Woodhull Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Following the shooting, the defendant hid the firearm in the backpack of his then-girlfriend, who unwittingly carried it out of the building when the police arrived. After exiting the building, the defendant hid at a distant relative’s home in New Jersey, where police tracked him by his cell phone on June 6, 2016, according to the investigation.

According to trial testimony, the defendant owed the victim $8 and shot him after being taunted and feeling disrespected because of the debt.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Chow Yun Xie, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Michelle Murray, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gough, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 1, 2018

Two Alleged Gang Members Indicted for Drive-By Murder

Shot Victim Through Window of BMW; Third Defendant Charged with Weapon Possession

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two alleged gang members have been indicted on charges of murder and weapon possession in connection with a drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 21-year-old man.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brazen acts of gun violence like the one committed in this case often lead to avoidable deaths and put innocent bystanders in danger. To keep our communities safe, we will remain focused on bringing gang members, who are driving much of the violence in Brooklyn, to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Rean Awong, 21, of Flatbush, Darren Wilson, 18, of Canarsie, and Anjuwon Butcher, 21, of Flatbush. They were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice who ordered them to return to court on September 28, 2018. Awong and Wilson are charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; Wilson is additionally charged with first-degree reckless endangerment. They were remanded without bail and face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count. Butcher is charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His bail was set at $25,000 and he faces up to 15 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on May 9, 2018, at approximately 7:10 p.m., all three defendants were allegedly inside a blue BMW – Awong in the back seat, Wilson, who owns the vehicle, in the driver’s seat, and Butcher in the passenger’s seat. Near the corner of East 89th Street and Avenue L in Canarsie, the BMW slowed down and Awong allegedly opened fire at the victim through an open rear window. The incident was captured on video surveillance.

Julian Edwards, 21, was struck by the bullets and was rushed to Brookdale Hospital. He died a day later.

After the shooting, the BMW drove away and was chased by police until it crashed into a parked vehicle. Awong fled the car during the chase and was apprehended. Wilson was caught after the crash and Butcher ran away from the scene of the crash and was apprehended a short distance away, the evidence shows.

The murder weapon was not recovered. Another firearm, a .380 caliber gun, was recovered from the BMW. All three defendants are allegedly members of the Folk Nation street gang.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gough, Bureau Chief.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Up to Four Years in Prison
For Stealing Over $17,000 from Rockland County Resident

Defendant Cashed Checks at Several Citibank Branches in Southern Brooklyn

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 56-year-old Brooklyn mas was sentenced to up to four years in prison for stealing over $17,000 during a three-day period from a Citibank account belonging to a businessman who resides in Rockland County, NY.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant seized on an opportunity to steal from an unsuspecting businessman again and again. We will continue to go after criminals that exploit financial vulnerabilities for nefarious purposes. The defendant has now been held accountable for the economic and emotional suffering he caused the victim.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kevin Nelson, 56, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas to an indeterminate sentence of two to four years in prison. The defendant was convicted of third-degree grand larceny following a jury trial in April.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, the defendant cashed a total of seven checks associated with the personal Citibank account of the 49-year-old victim, who resides in Monsey, NY, from August 26, 2016, to August 29, 2016. During that time period, the defendant stole a total of $17,010 from the victim’s account by cashing checks in amounts that varied from $2,170 to $2,700, made out to the defendant, from Citibank branch locations in Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.

According to the investigation, the defendant was recorded on surveillance cameras in the bank branches and was seen approaching the cashiers, cashing the checks, and leaving the bank branches with the cash. The investigation also revealed that the defendant was in frequent contact with an unknown accomplice who, when the defendant was cashing checks, placed calls to Citibank Customer Service, falsely represented himself to be the victim, authorized transactions and made funds available.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond and Senior District Attorney Sara Kurtzberg, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of David Klestzick, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 29, 2018

East New York Man Pleads Guilty to Promoting Prostitution
Of Two 14-Year-Old Girls

Defendant to be Sentenced to 8 to 16 Years in Prison

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East New York man has pleaded guilty to two counts of promoting prostitution for offering two 14-year-old girls to men who paid to have sex with them.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With today’s guilty plea, this defendant admits taking advantage of two vulnerable teenagers and will now spend many years in prison. In Brooklyn, it is our duty to protect all child victims from this type of predatory behavior.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Anthony Young, a.k.a., Royalty, 30, of East New York, Brooklyn. He pleaded guilty today to two counts of first-degree promoting prostitution before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. He will be sentenced on June 20, 2018, at which time the judge indicated he would sentence him to an indeterminate term of eight to 16 years in prison. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between March and August of 2016, Young prostituted two 14-year-old girls in Brooklyn, Hempstead, Huntington, and Westbury, New York; and Elizabeth, New Jersey, posting photos of them alongside advertisements for escort services.

The defendant rented several rooms at the Howard Johnson hotel on Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn, as well as at other locations. Men came to the locations and paid to have sex with the girls. Furthermore, according to the investigation, Young drove the underage girls to other locations in Brooklyn, as well as Long Island and New Jersey to have sex with men for money. Young was physically violent towards both victims and the minor victims had to turn over their earnings to the defendant.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detective David Mills, Detective James Rufle and Detective Adrian Campos of the Human Trafficking Team, Vice Enforcement Division, under the supervision of Lieutenant Christopher Sharpe and Captain Thomas Milano, and the overall supervision of Inspector James Klein. Police Officer Tony Cuoco of the NYPD’s 75th Precinct assisted in the investigation.

Senior Intelligence Analyst Brooke Middleton of the District Attorney’s Crime Strategies Unit assisted in the investigation.

The District Attorney thanked Sergeant Patricia Gusmano, of the Special Victims Unit at the Union County, New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office for her assistance in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Laura Edidin, Unit Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Man Charged with Strangulation and Assault as Hate Crimes for
Alleged Attack on Jewish Man Who was Walking from Synagogue

Yelled about the Victim’s Faith Before and After Alleged Assault

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 40-year-old man has been indicted on charges of strangulation and assault as hate crimes and other offenses for the alleged unprovoked attack against a Jewish man, whom he cursed and choked as the victim was walking home from a synagogue.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This alleged attack against a religious person is disturbing and completely unacceptable. Brooklyn’s strength is in its diversity and I will never tolerate such hate-motivated crimes in our communities. The defendant in this case has now been indicted and I intend to hold him accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as James Vincent, 40. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Guy Mangano on a 17-count indictment in which he is charged with first-degree strangulation as a hate crime, second-degree assault as a hate crime and other related offenses. He was ordered held on $50,000 bond or $25,000 bail and to return to court on August 15, 2018. The defendant faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 21, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m., the victim, a 52-year-old Jewish man, was walking home from his Synagogue after Sabbath prayers. He walked passed the defendant in the vicinity of Rutland Road and East 46th Street in East Flatbush, when the defendant allegedly yelled, “You f—-ing Jew, you Jews took my house and mortgage.” The victim continued walking.

The defendant then allegedly ran from behind the victim, placed his hands on his neck and applied pressure, the evidence shows. He then allegedly punched the victim in the head and body, put his arms around the victim’s head and applied pressure. Two bystanders intervened and the defendant continued to yell epithets regarding the victim’s religion as the victim picked up his yarmulke. The defendant then fled.

The victim suffered various injuries to the head and body.

Several surveillance videos from the area helped to identify the defendant and the investigation revealed that he purchased ice cream in a nearby store using a card bearing his name. He was arrested on April 27, 2018.

The case was investigated by Detective Kenneth O’Donnell, of the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, under the supervision of Sergeant Charles A. Senat.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Adriana Rodriguez, of the District Attorney’s Civil Rights Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Taryen O’Brien, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Civil Rights Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney David Klestzick, Green Zone Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for
Armed Robbery of T-Mobile Store

Tied Employees at Gunpoint and Stole About 70 iPhones and Androids

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 25-year-old Brooklyn man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in an armed robbery of a T-Mobile store in Flatbush. The defendant and an accomplice tied two employees at gunpoint and took about 70 smartphones and the workers’ personal iPhones, one of which was located using the Find My iPhone app, leading to an arrest.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I am committed to keeping Brooklyn safe and will not tolerate such brazen robberies. Businesses should know that they can operate and thrive in our borough and that those who victimize their workers will be vigorously prosecuted.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Patrice Dorcil, 25, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Cassandra Mullen to 14 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision following his conviction last month of first-degree robbery after a jury trial. A codefendant, Roberd Dersonvil, 24, pleaded guilty in September 2017 to the same charge and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on October 31, 2015, at about 7 p.m., the defendant and codefendant entered a T-Mobile store located on the corner of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues and pretended to be interested in buying a cell phone. The defendant then brandished a firearm and ushered the two employees of the store to a back room, where an inventory closet is located.

The two defendants used duct tape to tie the employees’ hands behind their backs and the defendant filled two large laundry bags with iPhones and Android phones from the inventory closet while his accomplice held the workers at gunpoint. Dersonvil struck each employee in the head with the gun, demanded their personal cell phones and threatened to shoot someone, the evidence showed. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.

After the defendants left the store with about 70 stolen phones, the employees managed to loosen the duct tape and called 911. They then used the Find My iPhone app to track their personal phones. After about 20 minutes, Dersonvil was located via the app and was apprehended by police. A firearm, lock and keys from the T-Mobile store and the employees’ cell phones were found in a bush nearby. Dorcil was subsequently identified as the second perpetrator and surrendered to police on April 30, 2016.

Traces of Dersonvil’s DNA were found on the recovered gun. A portion of the duct tape that was used to bind the employees’ hands had traces of Dorcil’s DNA.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Julie DeGenaro, Deputy Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Aaron Fishkin, also of the Green Zone, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Klestzick, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Man Sentenced to 50 Years to Life in Prison for Fatally Stabbing
6-Year-Old Boy and Seriously Wounding 7-year-Old Girl Inside Elevator

Stabbed Innocent Children 27 Times; Identified by Witnesses and
Via DNA Analysis of Steak Knife Used in the Attack

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 31-year-old man was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for a brutal 2014 knife attack inside an elevator in East New York, Brooklyn. The unprovoked stabbing claimed the life of 6-year-old Prince Joshua (PJ) Avitto, and seriously wounded his best friend, 7-year-old Mikayla Capers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant committed an unspeakable crime when he attacked two defenseless young children for no reason, killing one and leaving the other seriously injured. Today’s sentence ensures that he will not be able to harm any other innocent people. I know that PJ’s loved-ones will never be consoled and that Mikayla, whose courageous testimony helped to obtain this conviction, will forever carry this tragedy with her. But I hope that they will find some solace by knowing that justice was done.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Daniel St. Hubert, 31, of Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice to 50 years to life in prison following his conviction last month of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder after a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on June 1, 2014, a sunny Sunday afternoon, PJ, 6, and Mikayla, 7, were playing tag in a playground outside the housing development where they both lived. At about 5:40 p.m., the children asked for permission to go up to PJ’s home, at 845 Schenck Avenue, in East New York, Brooklyn, to get some Italian icees.

The two children entered the elevator, followed by the defendant. The evidence showed that the defendant then repeatedly stabbed and slashed the victims with a steak knife. PJ was stabbed 11 times and died at the scene from wounds to his chest. Mikayla was stabbed 16 times, but miraculously survived, and managed to crawl to the building’s entrance.

One witness saw the defendant enter the elevator and then leave the building a short time later. Two other witnesses saw him fleeing the location and stumbling in a grassy area outside the building, according to testimony. A steak knife was later recovered from the area where he stumbled. DNA recovered from the handle of the knife matched the defendant and blood from the blade was a match to the two victims, the evidence showed.

Furthermore, the defendant was seen in a surveillance video, wearing the same clothes described by the witnesses, about two blocks from the crime scene approximately 10 minutes after the incident. A search warrant that was later executed at his residence recovered packaging from a four-piece knife set that contained one knife with the same make and model as the knife that was used in the attack.

On June 4, 2014, just before he was apprehended, the evidence showed, the defendant was seen making graffiti with a black marker on a stop sign. That inscription read: “$Kills I will BK.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick O’Connor, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Gillian DiPietro, also of VCE, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Nicole Chavis, VCE Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Mark Feldman, Senior Executive Assistant District Attorney for Crime Strategies and Investigations.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 18, 2018

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Shooting a Man During Alleged Revenge Killing in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 34-year-old Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for fatally shooting a man in 2015 during an alleged revenge killing in a Bedford-Stuyvesant courtyard in broad daylight.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant’s brazen actions ended a man’s life and simultaneously put others in danger. I am committed to bringing dangerous individuals to justice and keeping Brooklyn safe for all of our residents.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Tyshon Knight, 34, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 18 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a bench trial in February.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 27, 2015, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the defendant exited a car, walked towards the victim and started shooting. The victim, Jamaal Anderson, 31, was sitting in a courtyard at 1615 Fulton Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant. As the defendant and his co-defendant, Isaac Bryant, began shooting, Anderson started running away but was shot in the back and collapsed. The defendants fired 13 gunshots into a courtyard full of people, then ran back to the car and drove off.

The victim was taken to Interfaith Medical Hospital where he was pronounced dead due to the gunshot wound to his back.

The shooting was allegedly in retaliation for Knight’s brother being shot, according to testimony during the Bryant murder trial. Bryant was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison in February after his conviction on second-degree murder. The police recovered video surveillance of the shooting, depicting the moments before and after the incident. Shell casings from two different weapons were also recovered at the scene.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Ernest Chin, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant Attorney Douglas Marquez, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Timothy Gough, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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