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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 20, 2023

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Arson

Defendant Set Fire in Multiple Family Dwelling, Injuring Eight Tenants and a Firefighter

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for starting a fire that spread from his apartment to two others in the building, causing injuries including bone fractures, smoke inhalation and burns.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This senseless early morning attack endangered numerous children and adults, leading to some life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, the victims have recovered. Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his criminal actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sedgrick Jacob, 32, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 10 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted arson on October 3, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on May 25, 2021, at approximately 4:48 a.m., at 255 East 95^th Street in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, a two-story building with two apartments on each floor, the defendant set fire to a mattress in his first-floor apartment, then fled the apartment.

The fire, which spread to a second-floor apartment, rendered the fire staircase to the main door unusable causing two of the seven family members inside of the apartment, a 48-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man to suffer fractures after jumping from a window. Other family in the apartment included a 23-year-old woman, who suffered severe smoke inhalation and was intubated, and a 49-year-old man and three children ages 3, 7 and 11, who escaped from the second floor with the aid of passersby and responding firefighters. They suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Another tenant, a 36-year-old man, was trapped in his first-floor apartment and was unable to escape. He suffered burns to his feet and heavy smoke inhalation, causing him to be intubated. One of the firefighters who responded to the scene suffered burns and was hospitalized.

Video surveillance from the building shows that shortly after the fire started the defendant exited the building and was then seen walking back and watching the smoke come out of the building. He is then seen fleeing the scene.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Steven Bravo, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 4,  2023

Six Defendants Charged with Conspiring to Traffic Narcotics Following Undercover Investigation into Open-Air Drug Deals in Bedford-Stuyvesant

 Operation Began in Response to Numerous Community Complaints

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced that six people have been indicted in connection with a narcotics trafficking ring that operated primarily in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Four of the defendants are charged with acting as a major trafficker.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This indictment reflects our commitment to responding to complaints from concerned neighbors and to take drug dealers off our streets. We allege that these defendants profited from the misery of addiction while upending the sense of safety in the community where they brazenly operated. Thanks to the hard work of my Detective Investigators, the NYPD and prosecutors from my office, we will now seek to hold them accountable for their criminal actions.”

Commissioner Caban said, “Drug trafficking is a scourge not tolerated in New York City, neither by law enforcement nor the people we serve. And together with our partners at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD will continue working toward a city whose neighborhoods are free of illegal narcotics and those who seek to profit from their proliferation.”

Three of the defendants, Lance Spearman, Herbert Bazemore and Larry Childress were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on an indictment in which they are variously charged with acting as a major trafficker, second- and fourth-degree conspiracy, second- and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Acting as a major trafficker is an A-I felony. Spearman was ordered held without bail; Childress was ordered held on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond; Bazemore was ordered held on $1 million cash bail or $1.5 million bond. All of the defendants were ordered to return to court on December 8, 2023.

Three additional defendants will be arraigned on a later date. Jermalee Reese is charged as part of the above-mentioned conspiracy indictment. Steve Rich and Travis Davis are each charged in separate indictments with criminal sale of a controlled substance and other related counts. [See defendant addendum.]

It is alleged that over the course of the investigation, from May 2022 to October 3, 2023, the narcotics dealers operated primarily in the vicinity of Putnam Avenue and Nostrand Avenue in the 79^th Precinct in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The investigation began following detailed community complaints about open-air drug dealing at the specified location. Detective Investigators from the District Attorney’s office and NYPD detectives from Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North conducted the investigation, which included making a total of 25 undercover narcotics purchases from the six defendants.

It is alleged that the defendants variously sold quantities of crack cocaine and heroin (which was packaged in distinctive green glassines). The investigation was conducted with the use of undercover detectives and physical and electronic surveillance.

In addition, following a car stop on September 23, 2023, police allegedly recovered approximately 60 green glassines of heroin from defendant Herbert Bazemore’s pocket. Each glassine sells for approximately $10 and are packaged in bundles of 10. After obtaining a search warrant for his vehicle, 59 bundles consisting of 590 glassines and more than $5,000 were recovered from inside the car.

In the wake of today’s takedown, the Brooklyn DA’s Office reached out to local elected officials, neighborhood leaders and community-based organizations to apprise them of the law enforcement action. The office will partner with them to provide support and services to help those experiencing substance use disorder get the help they need, while working together to deter others from filling the supply gap created by today’s prosecutions.

The investigation was conducted by KCDA Detective Investigators and New York City Police Detectives and Officers assigned to the Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bennett, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Theresa Robitaille, of the District Attorney’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Unit, Senior Assistant District Attorney Anne Volk of the District Attorney’s Crime Strategies Unit, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Radiyah Dobre, also of VCE, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gillian DiPietro, VCE Deputy Chief, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cilia, VCE 1st Deputy Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, VCE Chief, and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney David Klestzick, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division and Gregory Thomas, Senior Executive for Law Enforcement Operations.

Defendant Addendum:

1. Lance Spearman, 43, of East New York, Brooklyn.
2. Herbert Bazemore, 43, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
3. Larry Childress, 49, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
4. Steve Rich, 58, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
5. Jermalee Reese, 53, of East New York, Brooklyn.
6. Travis Davis, 34, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Sunset Park Man Arraigned for Hammer Attack

That Killed Mother and Critically Injured 2 Children

Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years to Life in Prison If Convicted of Second-Degree Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Sunset Park man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for an alleged attack in which he bludgeoned and strangled a 43-year-old mother to death and critically wounded her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter with a hammer.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a horrific, harrowing, and unspeakably brutal attack on an innocent mother and her two defenseless young children. With this prosecution, we will seek justice for Zhao Zhao and her son and daughter, as well as their heartbroken family, friends, and neighbors.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Liyong Ye, 47, of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on November 8, 2023. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on August 23, 2023, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the defendant allegedly attacked Zhao Zhao, 43, and her two children inside an apartment at 531 52^nd Street shared by the two families and two roommates. The defendant and Zhao had previously argued over living conditions inside the apartment.

According to the investigation, the defendant allegedly called one of his roommates, shortly after the attack, and told him to pick up the defendant’s 5-year-old son. When the roommate returned to the apartment, he found the floor and walls of the kitchen covered with blood. The defendant was allegedly holding a bloody hammer in his hand and standing over the bodies of Zhao and her children. The roommate went outside and called 911. The defendant was arrested outside of the building.

Zhao was taken to Lutheran Hospital where she was pronounced dead from massive blunt force trauma to the head and body. Her children were treated at the Pediatric Trauma Unit at Bellevue Hospital and subsequently transferred to a long-term rehabilitation facility where they continue to recover from their critical injuries.

The District Attorney thanked Office Manager Jannette Ayala of the Homicide Bureau for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chow Yun Xie, Deputy Chief and Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau Senior, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 22, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murder of Girlfriend’s Two-Year-Old Son

Defendant Allegedly Beat the Child to Death While Babysitting

            Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder for the beating death of a two-year-old boy. The child’s mother, who was dating the defendant, was at work at the time of the incident.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Little Nasir was a helpless, defenseless child entrusted by his mother to the defendant’s care while she was at work. Instead of ensuring the toddler’s safety, the defendant allegedly beat him so severely that he tragically died. We are determined to see that this defendant is held responsible for this senseless crime, and our hearts are with his mother and loved ones as they grieve this horrific loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Latrell Lewis, 23, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was ordered held without bail and was to return to court on November 17, 2023. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, on August 27, 2023, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the defendant’s girlfriend left her two-year-old son, Nasir Carter Paris, with the defendant in her home, located on East 68^th Street in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, when she left for work. Later that morning, the defendant contacted the mother and alleged Nasir was complaining of stomach pain. He called an ambulance at approximately 11:55 a.m. and the child was taken to Brookdale Hospital. Nasir was pronounced dead at approximately 12:54 p.m.

An autopsy performed by the Office of the New York City Medical Examiner determined that the child’s cause of death was from blunt force injuries to the head and torso, resulting in a depressed skull fracture, hemorrhaging between the skull and brain, lacerations to the liver, internal hemorrhaging in the abdomen, contusion to the liver, colon, pancreas, and kidney; and bruises on his torso, neck and face.

The Medical Examiner determined that the child’s injuries are consistent with multiple, inflicted, blunt force traumas.

Additionally, defendant is charged in connection with a prior incident on April 22, 2023, where again while allegedly in the defendant’s sole care, Nasir Carter Paris sustained a spiral fracture of his femur, and the defendant allegedly failed to seek medical attention.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Perry Cerrato, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Jacobi, also of the Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murder of 23-Year-Old Man

Allegedly Shot Victim Repeatedly Following Argument Outside Bike and Scooter Shop in

Crown Heights; Was Extradited to Brooklyn After Fleeing to Ohio 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 64-year-old former Brooklyn resident has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder for the 2020 shooting death of Nicholas Isaac, 23, in Crown Heights. Both men were hanging out outside the shop when they got into an argument.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Nicholas Isaac’s life was cut short far too soon and hopefully his family will find some solace with today’s indictment, knowing that for three years a team of law enforcement professionals remained vigilant in bringing his alleged killer to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Robert Bryson, 64, formerly of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin on an indictment in which he is charged with one count of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on October 27, 2023. The defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 18, 2020, at approximately 3 p.m., the victim and the defendant were standing in front of a bike and scooter shop located at 662 Nostrand Avenue, when they got into a dispute.

It is further alleged that the defendant returned on foot approximately an hour later, pulled out a gun and fired at the victim. The victim was struck but ran inside the store for safety. The defendant allegedly followed the victim into the store and shot him several more times as the victim was running away from him. The defendant then allegedly fled, leaving his scooter outside the store and taking another scooter.

The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he underwent surgery, but was later pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio on August 22, 2023, by members of the Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service. Members of the U.S. Marshals NY NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force assisted in the apprehension. The defendant was extradited to Brooklyn this week.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detective Cesar Valerio of the 77th Precinct Detective Squad and NYPD Detective Roxanne Joseph of the Homicide Squad.

The District Attorney thanked the Detective Investigators of the KCDA for their substantial assistance on this case.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Teenager

Defendant Lured Victim from Ohio to New York With Promise of Video Shoots

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the sex trafficking of an 18-year-old girl for whom he bought a bus ticket from Ohio to New York with promises of a modeling career.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant lured an innocent teenager from her home in Ohio to New York promising to fulfill her dream of a modeling career, but instead he horrifically exploited her in a sex trafficking nightmare. Today’s lengthy sentence underscores our commitment to protecting young women and other at-risk individuals and ensuring those who engage in sex trafficking face serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Allen Barrington, 38, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 10 years in prison and 10 years’ post-release supervision. He must register as a sex offender upon his release. The defendant pleaded guilty to sex trafficking on March 29, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on June 3, 2022, the defendant responded to a post on an online website posted by an 18-year-old girl who was living in Ohio. He offered to pay for a Greyhound bus ticket for her to visit New York where he would help her get started in nude modeling on video.

When the girl arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on June 5, 2022, he picked her up and brought her to an apartment in East New York, Brooklyn, where there was another girl that the defendant had recruited from Illinois to engage in prostitution. He told her she had to work in prostitution and took her to a track in East New York. When the victim refused, telling the defendant that this was not the agreement, the defendant threatened the victim and threatened to harm her grandparents back in Ohio.

Between June 5, 2022 and June 18, 2022, in addition to forcing her to work in prostitution in East Flatbush and East New York, the defendant was physically violent towards the victim and at one point attempted to taser her. She was forced to engage in prostitution on the track in East New York and was not allowed to stop until she earned a quota set by the defendant. The defendant took photos of the victim and the other woman and posted them on websites offering prostitution services.

Furthermore, the victim walked into the 75^th precinct to report the defendant on June 17, 2022. He was arrested in Ohio on July 6, 2022, and was extradited to Brooklyn on July 26, 2022.

The case was investigated by Detective Courtney Thorpe of the New York City Police Department’s Human Trafficking Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Robert Duplessis, Lieutenant Amy Capogna and Captain Thomas Milano.

Paralegal Specialist Aurora Martinez of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit assisted in the investigation.

The District Attorney thanked Detective Christina Chavez and Detective Nicholas Cox of the Peoria, Illinois Police Department, Major Jeff Allen and Agent Kelly Jankowski from the Mahoning Valley Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, along with Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Iorio, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 22, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Following Guilty Plea to Violent Assault of 55-Year-Old

Defendant Punched Victim Inside Subway Station, Then Stabbed Him Repeatedly

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for punching and stabbing a man at the Jay Street Subway Station in Downtown Brooklyn last year. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault for the unprovoked attack in July.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my highest priority, and violent offenders such as this defendant will face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him responsible for this frightening and random attack and ensures he will not be able to victimize others in our communities.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Roland Henegan, 35, formerly of the Kingsborough Men’s Shelter in Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree assault on July 26, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 5, 2022, at approximately 6 p.m., the victim, a 55-year-old man, was entering the Jay Street Subway Station going home from work when he saw the defendant suddenly open an emergency door inside the station. The victim continued walking down a staircase when the defendant began walking up the staircase. The defendant, unprovoked, attempted to punch the victim in the face. The defendant then grabbed the victim and punched him.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant then stabbed the victim in the face and in the back. Following the attack, the defendant fled the scene and was later identified as the suspect in this Brooklyn assault.

The victim was treated for numerous injuries, and needed multiple stitches to his face and back, as well as having his jaw wired and screwed shut for several months.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Aleena Peerzada, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 5, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 32 ½ Years to Life in Prison for Mass Shooting During Old Timers Day Celebration in Brownsville Park

Opened Fire and Triggered a Gun Battle Which Left One Dead and

11 Others Shot and Wounded

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 32 ½ years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man during the Old Timers Day celebration in Brownsville in 2019. The shooting ignited an exchange of gunfire between rival groups which left 11 innocent bystanders shot and wounded.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “A beloved community celebration held each year turned tragic when this defendant opened fire in the middle of a crowd. Senseless gun violence that puts innocent people in harm’s way has destroyed too many lives and will not be tolerated in Brooklyn. As a result of this defendant’s outrageous actions a man lost his life, and 11 other people were shot and wounded. He has now been held accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kyle Williams, 23, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to 32 ½years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment on April 20, 2023 following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 27, 2019, at approximately 11 p.m., in the Brownsville Playground, on Hegeman Avenue and Sackman Street, the defendant confronted Jason Pagan, 38, during Old Timers Day, an annual neighborhood celebration where more than 500 community members were gathered.

Following a verbal dispute, the defendant pulled out a gun and fatally shot Pagan in the head and torso. A shootout between rival groups then erupted during which 11 innocent people, caught in the crossfire, were shot and wounded.

The defendant was arrested on October 16, 2019, after investigators received tips from members of the community. Multiple eyewitnesses identified the defendant as the initial shooter. In addition, police recovered the gun the defendant used during the fatal shooting and obtained an admission from the defendant while he was in custody.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Chow Xie, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Manslaughter for Allegedly Running Red Light,

Causing Car Crash That Left Two People Dead and Five Injured

Defendant was Allegedly Speeding and Ran Multiple Red Lights in Bensonhurst

          Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been indicted for manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment, criminally negligent homicide and other charges for speeding and running a red light, causing a car crash that resulted in two people dying and five people being injured.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s alleged extreme recklessness caused the senseless deaths of two innocent people and inflicted serious injuries on others. New Yorkers deserve safe streets, and I am committed to holding accountable any driver who endangers the public with this kind of senseless and illegal conduct.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Vitaliy Konoplyov, 49, of Coney Island, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 20-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second- and third-degree assault, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree reckless endangerment, and related charges. He is being held on bail of $1 million bond or $250,000 cash. The defendant was ordered to return to court on June 21, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 20, 2023, at approximately 12:48 p.m., the defendant was operating a 2015 white Toyota Camry, driving southbound on 18th Avenue, allegedly speeding and driving through multiple red lights, when he struck a 2016 black Honda HR-V that was being driven eastbound on 64th Street by Stancho Stanchev, 51.

The collision caused Stanchev’s vehicle to spin, jump the curb, and strike pedestrian Leung Yuet, 65, and then strike a 2021 silver Chevy Equinox which was being driven southbound on 18th Avenue by a 71-year-old man.

Yuet was declared dead at the scene. Stanchev was taken to Maimonides Hospital, where he was declared dead. Stanchev’s passenger, 49, suffered serious brain injuries. The 71-year-old man was not injured.

Konoplyov, who remained on the scene, had two passengers inside of his vehicle, a 32-year-old man, taken to Maimonides Hospital and treated for minor injuries, and a 46-year-old man, taken to NYU Langone Hospital with significant injuries to the face and left hand.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Larry Carter and Assistant District Attorney Stacie Ulberg of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau.

 

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

 

 Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Killing Girlfriend, Dismembering Body and Disposing of it in Trash,

Victim’s Body Was Never Found

Defendant Stole Her Social Security Benefits After the Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an upstate New York man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend, dismembering her body, and throwing it in the garbage so he could collect her Social Security benefits. The woman’s body was never recovered. The defendant stole approximately $68,000 from her Social Security benefits over a four-year period starting in 2014.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant now faces serious consequences for this shockingly heartless and depraved murder of an innocent woman. My heart continues to go out to Ms. Quinones’ family and friends, and I hope today’s sentence brings them a measure of solace.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ricky Gonzalez, 39, of Beacon, New York. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life. He was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, third-degree grand larceny, first-degree identity theft, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on April 3, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between March 5, 2014, and September 30, 2014, the defendant killed Maria Quinones, 58, inside her home on Wilson Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The defendant followed the victim into the bathroom and stabbed her from behind with a butcher knife. The defendant proceeded to dismember Ms. Quinones’ body, which he put into garbage bags and set outside by the curb for trash pickup. The defendant then stole the victim’s Social Security card, passport, license, and other information related to her Social Security account. Over the next four years, according to the evidence, the defendant stole $68,000 in benefits.

Ms. Quinones’ sister reported her missing on September 10, 2014, after not hearing from her since March 5, 2014.

On August 28, 2018, the defendant entered the 1st Police Precinct in Manhattan and confessed to killing Quinones. The victim’s body was never found.

The District Attorney thanked the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, the New York City Police Department Brooklyn North Homicide Squad, KCDA Detective Investigators, and Homicide Paralegal Meghan Brancato for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lana Schlesinger, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Gianna Del Grippo, also of the Green Zone, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau.

 

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