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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Man Sentenced to 32½ Years to Life in Prison for Murder of
Brooklyn Philanthropist in his Fort Greene Home

Defendant Fatally Stabbed Victim and Set House Ablaze

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a homeless man has been sentenced to 32.5 years to life in prison for stabbing a Brooklyn man 22 times, killing him, and then setting fire to his Fort Greene townhouse.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “L. Antonio Litman opened his door, his table, and his heart to others, and his kindness and generosity were met with unimaginable violence. The theft of such a caring, generous life demanded the accountability that today’s sentence delivers, and my heart continues to be with Mr. Litman’s loved ones and the Fort Greene community as we refuse to let his name be forgotten.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dondre Richardson, 38, who was residing in a Manhattan homeless shelter at the time of the incident. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 32½ years to life in prison — 25 years to life for second-degree murder and a consecutive term of 7½ to 15 years for third-degree arson. The defendant was convicted of these counts on June 24, 2025 following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 20, 2020, at approximately 3:10 a.m., the defendant was inside the home of L. Antonio Litman, located at 248 Adelphi Street, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The two men were acquaintances. The defendant stabbed the victim 22 times about his body, killing him. He then set fire to the home before fleeing.

The victim’s body was found inside the building by firefighters responding to the blaze. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died as a result of stab wounds.

The defendant’s fingerprints were recovered from a bloody knife left at the scene and surveillance video captured him outside the building at the time of the incident. The defendant was arrested on January 28, 2020.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal Meghan Brancaro and Green Zone Paralegal Aneudy Mata for their work on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Cassandra Pond and Senior Assistant District Attorney Danyelle Shapiro, of the Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Killing
Father Defending His Daughter in Crown Heights

A Co-defendant Was Previously Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights. The victim, a 43-year-old father, died defending his teenage daughter from the defendant and a co-defendant during an armed burglary attempt.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Phillip Scarlett died protecting his teenage daughter from two armed men in the ultimate act of a father’s bravery. While no sentence can heal the pain of this loss, the long prison terms these defendants received for this senseless killing delivers accountability. Even as gun violence in Brooklyn is at a record low, this case underscores the importance of the work we do every day to make our city safer.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rashawn Brown, 29, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter on June 5, 2025.

A co-defendant, Waki Bullock, 33, of Crown Heights, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder on December 9, 2024, following a jury trial. He was sentenced by Justice Hecht to 18 years to life in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 13, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m., inside 219 Kingsborough 2 Walk, a building within NYCHA’s Kingsborough Houses, in Crown Heights, the defendant and his co-defendant shot and killed 43-year-old Phillip Scarlett. Scarlett was expecting a visit from his 14-year-old daughter, who was heading to the sixth-floor apartment to get laundry money. As the girl approached the entrance, the defendant and his co-defendant, who were standing in the hallway wearing masks and armed, grabbed her before she could enter. The girl yelled out for her father who in response ran to the door and was able to pull the girl away from the masked men. The victim used his body to shield his daughter from the defendant and co-defendant by pushing her into the apartment. The defendant and co-defendant then grabbed the victim, dragged him down the staircase where, according to the evidence, they shot him in the hip and thigh.

The victim was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was apprehended on October 2, 2020.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Zoë Feygin and Unit Chief Jingu Chong for their work on this case.

The District Attorney also thanked Homicide Paralegal Angelika Rostkowska and Blue Zone Paralegal Sharlesia Agaga.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years to Life in Prison
for Fatally Stabbing His Mother and Her Dog in Starrett City

Victim was Stabbed More than 50 Times, Dog Stabbed and Thrown from Balcony

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of his mother inside their Starrett City apartment. The defendant fatally stabbed the victim more than 50 times and threw the family dog from their 11th-floor balcony.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is heartbreaking that a mother lost her life so violently at the hands of her only child. This tragedy has shattered a family and deeply affected her loved ones. My office remains steadfast in pursing justice for victims and holding those who commit such acts of domestic violence fully accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Andre Eugene, 38, of Starrett City, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on September 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on January 19, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to 1500 Hornell Loop in Starrett City after receiving multiple reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Donna Hyman, 58, inside her apartment. She had been stabbed approximately 55 times in her neck, chest, arms, back, and scalp, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her small dog “Gigi” was found deceased outside the building, having been stabbed approximately 32 times and thrown from the balcony.

The investigation revealed that the defendant, who lived with the victim, fatally stabbed his mother and her dog during a violent outburst. He then threw the dog from the apartment balcony. The defendant was found shortly thereafter outside the building, naked and covered in blood, and was taken into custody.

The defendant was hospitalized for self-inflicted stab wounds and a dog bite. He was charged with his mother’s murder on January 24, 2024.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jafari, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, September 5, 2025

Staten Island Man Indicted for Murder in Fatal Sunset Park Hit-and-Run Crash

Defendant Allegedly Drove with BAC up to .19 Before Killing Two Pedestrians

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Staten Island man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and related offenses for allegedly driving drunk, running a steady red light and striking two men who were crossing the street in a crosswalk in Sunset Park. The defendant then allegedly fled the scene without stopping.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly chose to drive drunk and speed through a red light, and two innocent men lost their lives while simply crossing the street. Kexun Chen and Faqiu Lin should still be with their families today. We will fight for justice on their behalf and make clear that reckless drivers who endanger lives will be held fully accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Juventino Anastacio Florentino, 23, of Staten Island. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice ¬¬Dineen Riviezzo on an indictment in which is he charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of criminally negligent homicide and related charges. Bail was set at $300,000 bond or $100,000 cash and the defendant was ordered to return to court on November 14, 2025.

It is alleged that on July 11, 2025, at approximately 4:22 a.m., the defendant was driving southbound on Third Avenue when he allegedly sped through a steady red light at 52nd Street and struck two men who were in the crosswalk with the right of way. The victims were identified as Kexun Chen, 80, and Faqiu Lin, 59. The defendant then allegedly fled the crash site without reporting the incident. Both victims were later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators recovered video surveillance and vehicle parts at the crash site, and license plate reader technology identified the BMW. The defendant was arrested later that morning at his Staten Island residence. According to the investigation, the defendant’s vehicle displayed damage consistent with striking pedestrians, and the defendant showed signs of intoxication. Testing indicated his blood alcohol content was between .13 and .19 — well above the legal limit of .08. Approximately eight hours after the crash, the defendant allegedly blew a .04 on a breath test and admitted to drinking earlier that night.

The District Attorney thanked detectives of the NYPD’s Highway District Brooklyn Collision Investigation Squad and the detectives of the NYPD’s Brooklyn South Video Team for their case enhancement and assistance in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Ghalmi, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Boykin, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond, Deputy Bureau Chief, under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Broadway Producer Sentenced for Fraudulent COVID-19 Grant Scheme

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Falsifying Records to Obtain $69,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, announced today that a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $69,000 in COVID-19 small business recovery grants by filing falsified records.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant took advantage of a public health crisis by falsifying records to secure government aid that was meant to keep struggling small businesses afloat. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraud at the expense of programs designed to protect New Yorkers.”

Inspector General Lang said, “Abuse of scarce state resources — during the pandemic and always — is a crime against both government and New Yorkers in need. Thank you to our partners at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for sharing our commitment to public integrity and to ensuring accountability for those who undermine it.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Suzanne Gilad, 54, of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. She pleaded guilty to second-degree falsifying business records and was sentenced by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Janet McDonnell on April 28, 2025 to a conditional discharge and ordered to complete 210 hours of community service, proof of which she provided to the court today. The defendant previously reimbursed the State for the funds.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between December 2021 and January 2022, the defendant submitted multiple fraudulent applications for grants offered by the New York State Empire State Development to assist businesses that experienced financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant submitted falsified copies of federal business income tax returns on behalf of three companies she controlled: In Fine Company LLC, Custom Broadway LLC and All the Josh Cohens LLC. As a result of the fraudulent applications, the defendant received approximately $69,099 in grant funds, which she then transferred into her personal bank accounts.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kirsten Tamayo of the District Attorney’s Fraud Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 25, 2025

New Jersey Brothers Indicted for Alleged Financial Scam Targeting Seniors

Allegedly Claimed Victims’ Bank Accounts Were Compromised and Directed Them to Send
Funds to the “Government” for Safekeeping or to Other Bank Accounts They Controlled

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two New Jersey men, acting in concert with others, have been indicted for allegedly scamming four women ranging in age from 76 to 90 years old out of almost $400,000 by posing as government agents or bank representatives and claiming the victims’ bank accounts were compromised and they needed to withdraw their funds immediately – and not tell anyone what they were doing.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our communities to steal the nest eggs they had carefully built up over many years. Their alleged behavior is despicable, and we will now seek to bring them to justice. I am committed to protecting our senior citizens from scams such as this one.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Abhishek Barvalia, 31, and Tushar Barvalia, 32, of Rutherford, New Jersey. They were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which they are charged with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud and fourth-degree conspiracy. They were released without bail and ordered to return to court on October 22, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between June 2023 and January 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a scheme that targeted at least four victims who were 76, 78, 83, and 90 years old. The victims lived in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Connecticut. In some cases, it is alleged, the victims were instructed to keep their withdrawals confidential to protect the secrecy of the “government investigation.”

It is alleged that on December 11, 2023, the 76-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer screen which urged her to call the number displayed on the screen, which she did, and spoke to a person purporting to be an FBI agent. The “agent” told the victim hackers were using her information for illegal activities including selling drugs and guns and money laundering. The victim was told she needed to secure her savings by transferring money out of her bank accounts and into accounts “controlled by the U.S. government.” That same day she withdrew a total of $171,680 in three cashier’s checks and mailed them to the defendants.

Furthermore, it is alleged, on July 5, 2023, the 78-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer screen claiming her computer was infected with malware and urging her to call “Microsoft” at the number displayed on her screen, which she did and was then transferred to someone purporting to be with the Federal Trade Commission who told her hackers were trying to steal money from her bank accounts and she should send funds to the federal government for safekeeping. Over the next two days, the victim sent two cashier’s checks totaling $70,000 to the defendants.

It is alleged that on December 4, 2023, the 90-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer warning her of a purported “Apple Security Risk” and then began speaking with a purported government agent who allegedly said her bank accounts were being hacked and used to store money related to illicit activity including child pornography. Over the next two weeks the victim was persuaded to send a total of approximately $136,224 to accounts allegedly controlled by the defendants.

Finally, it is alleged that on June 30, 2023, the 83-year-old victim received a phone call from someone purporting to be a bank representative who convinced the victim to disclose information about her account. Later that day, $15,000 was wired out of the victim’s account into an account allegedly controlled by the defendants. That same day, an additional request for $21,000 was made but denied by the bank.

The District Attorney said that financial schemes are often conducted through a person contacting the victims under the guise of protecting their assets, with the callers representing themselves as a law enforcement officer, a representative of a financial institution, or security from a technology firm such as Microsoft or Apple. The caller typically requests some transfer of funds or information about accounts. The perpetrators direct the victims to mail cashier’s checks or send funds via a wire transfer.

The District Attorney offered the following information to guard against being victimized by a financial scheme:

• • Beware of any warnings that pop up on your computer screen which claim that your bank account is being hacked and that you need to call a certain phone number.
  • DO NOT call that number.
  • DO NOT click on anything received in an unsolicited email or text message.
  • DO NOT give your bank account information or PIN number to anyone who calls you and claims to be a federal agent or banker. End the call
  • immediately.
  • DO go to your bank branch and tell a manager what happened, or if that is not possible, call your local branch and speak to a manager about what happened.
  • Beware of any caller who requests absolute confidentiality and requests that you not tell family members or contact the police.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators for their work on this case, as well as Supervising Financial Investigator Susan Ryan, Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak and Paralegal Jezebel Negrete-Ugaz.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Frank Ungerer, also of the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for
Execution Style Murder in Bedford-Stuyvesant

 Victim Lured to Neighborhood in Premeditated Plot as Defendant Lay in Wait

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally gunning down another man in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant opened fire in broad daylight on a crowded street, killing his intended target and striking an innocent bystander. He was arrested and prosecuted following a thorough investigation and has now been held accountable. My thoughts today are with the young victim’s devastated family. Acts of gun violence in Brooklyn will always lead to severe consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant Rahmell Howell, 29, of Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree reckless endangerment and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on June 16, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 10, 2021, at approximately 6 p.m., the victim, Jermaine Isaiah Hill-Cross, 23, was standing in front of 354 Clifton Place. At the time, the defendant and another individual were inside an apartment located at 366 Clifton Place. Upon seeing the victim, the defendant and the other person immediately exited the apartment and walked up to the victim. The defendant was brandishing a gun, and the victim ran away. The defendant then chased the victim down Clifton Place, according to the evidence, and fired six shots, striking the victim once in the chest. A 42-year-old man standing on the block was struck once in the buttocks.

The victim, who was a former friend of the defendant and went to school with him, was lured to the area after getting some phone calls an hour before the murder, taking a taxi from Manhattan to Brooklyn, according to the evidence.

The defendant, who boasted about the shooting on social media, was arrested on November 5, 2021.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Visotzky, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Han Zhang, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 18, 2025

Brownsville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for
Shooting Man Five Times in Broad Daylight Following Dispute

Defendant Left Area After Argument, Returned with a Gun, and Chased and Shot the Victim

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting another man following an argument at a deli in Brownsville. The defendant was convicted of attempted murder following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars. His brazen violence in broad daylight could have easily cost an innocent life, and today’s sentence ensures he can no longer endanger our community. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this case.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Orando Matthan, 25, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Margaret Martin to 10 years in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on June 25, 2025, following a jury trial.

Two co-defendants, Jeovanie Nelson and Alex Davis, previously pleaded guilty in connection to this case. Nelson, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on May 7, 2025, and was sentenced to five years in prison. Davis, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree hindering prosecution on January 8, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 3, 2023, the defendant and his co-defendant, Jeovanie Nelson, got into an argument with the victim, a 25-year-old man, at a deli located at 1167 Lenox Road in Brownsville. The defendant shoved the victim before leaving the deli with Nelson. The pair walked to the defendant’s home, and the defendant went inside and got a loaded gun, showed it to Nelson and put it into his own hoodie pocket, according to the evidence, and they walked back to the deli and got into another argument with the victim. The defendant walked to the back of the deli and reached into his pocket, but by the time he returned to the front of the deli the victim had already left.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, at approximately 1:46 p.m., the defendant located the victim in front of a store at 332 East 98th Street, in Brownsville. The defendant began firing shots at the victim, who ran into the store. The defendant chased the victim and fired from the store doorway at point-blank range. The victim was struck five times: in the hip, forearm, pinky, thigh, and head. He was taken to Brookdale Hospital and underwent lifesaving surgery.

The defendants fled the scene to a location on Saratoga Avenue, which is the home of another co-defendant, Alex Davis. The defendants stripped off their clothes while running to change their appearances and the defendant got rid of the gun by discarding it in a garbage can. Nelson called Davis (who was not home) and asked him to come and pick them up, according to the evidence, and said: “I just got a body.” Davis picked them up and they fled the area.

The defendants were arrested on July 25, 2023, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Werner Kuang, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karen Varriale, Deputy Bureau Chief, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stewart, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Brooklyn Man Indicted for PPP Loan Fraud and Voter Petition Scheme

Defendant Allegedly Stole More Than $104,000 in COVID Relief Funds,
Also Charged with Filing Fraudulent Petitions to Run for U.S. Senate

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, today announced that a Brooklyn man has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $104,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and, separately, for submitting fraudulent election petitions to appear on the 2024 Democratic primary ballot for U.S. Senate.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant allegedly defrauded a critical pandemic relief program and attempted to deceive voters through a fraudulent election petition. Misusing public funds intended to help small businesses recover, and fabricating support to appear on the ballot, are serious allegations that reflect a troubling disregard for the law and public trust. Whether it’s stealing taxpayer money or trying to manipulate an election, these alleged actions demand accountability. My office remains committed to protecting both public resources and the integrity of our democratic process.”

Attorney General James said, “New Yorkers must be able to trust that our democracy and our economy are protected from fraud. Khaled Salem allegedly tried to undermine an election and critical financial aid to businesses with his schemes, but today we are bringing him to justice. I thank District Attorney Gonzalez and the New York State Board of Elections for their collaboration in this investigation and efforts to root out fraud wherever it arises.”

The Co-Executive Directors of the NYS Board of Elections, Raymond J. Riley, III and Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, said, “The State Board is proud to work with law enforcement on this matter. We want to thank the District Attorney and his team for their diligence and action. While incidents of election fraud are rare, they are serious and unacceptable. New Yorkers deserve to know that those who attempt to undermine the democratic process will face consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Khaled Salem, 53, of Bay Ridge. He is charged in a 60-count indictment with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second- and third-degree identity theft and a violation of New York State Election Law. He was ordered released without bail and to return to court on September 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendant first applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on April 6, 2020, for American Human Rights, Inc. (AHR), a nonprofit organization he incorporated in 2019. The defendant received a $104,166 PPP loan on March 15, 2021. The defendant later applied for loan forgiveness claiming that the required amount of loan proceeds was used for payroll costs. The loan application and loan forgiveness application allegedly included false representations about payroll and listed employees who never worked for or were associated with AHR.

Separately, on April 2, 2024, the defendant allegedly had a 12-volume, 5,900 page petition submitted to the New York State Board of Elections, seeking to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot. According to the petition, three subscribing witnesses collected approximately 30,000 signatures across New York State over a twenty-day period. Those subscribing witnesses, however, allegedly denied collecting any signatures for defendant or his campaign. The petition is also alleged to have included forged names, fake addresses and false witness signatures. Ultimately, the defendant was not placed on the ballot.

The District Attorney thanked the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Board of Elections for their assistance in the investigation, as well as Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak and Paralegal Jezebel Negrete-Ugaz, both of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and KCDA Detective Investigators.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Bureau Chief, Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in
Prison For Brownsville Execution-Style Shooting

Defendant Shot Victim Multiple Times at Close Range in NYCHA Courtyard

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man seated on a bench in the courtyard of a public housing complex in Brownsville. The defendant fired five rounds at the unarmed victim and fled the scene.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless, execution-style killing of a man who posed no threat. The victim was simply sitting outside when the defendant chose to open fire and take his life, robbing a boy of his father. Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for this horrific act, and I hope it brings a sense of justice to the victim’s loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Corey Townsend, 42. He was sentenced today to 25 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on April 8, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 17, 2020, at approximately 9:05 p.m., the defendant approached Romaine Mazyck, 47, as he sat on a bench in the courtyard of the Howard Houses at 80 Osborn Street in Brownsville. The defendant then fired five rounds at close range, striking the victim multiple times in the head and torso, and fled the scene.

The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The defendant was arrested on March 19, 2021.

Trial testimony established that the victim was unarmed and seated when the defendant shot him. The defendant later gave conflicting accounts of the shooting, which the court found to be unreliable and inconsistent with the evidence.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Colby Levin, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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