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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Defendant Sentenced to 19 Years to Life in Prison for
Murder of Girlfriend in Bedford-Stuyvesant Apartment

Cause of Death Cited as Ligature Strangulation

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the strangulation death of his girlfriend in their Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment. The victim was discovered after a relative asked police to conduct a wellness check at the location.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Kelly Kwak should have been able to feel safe and secure in the home she shared with her boyfriend. Instead, the defendant brutally strangled her to death, ending her life at just 28 years old and devastating everyone who loved her. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for this horrific crime, and my thoughts remain with Kelly’s family and friends, who continue to live with the devastating loss of a young woman taken from them far too soon.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Michael Hosein, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Abena Darkeh to 19 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on July 30, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, at approximately 10 a.m., on March 10, 2023, a police officer responding to a request for a wellness check at 218 Gates Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant entered apartment 1A and saw the defendant alone in the apartment with the lifeless body of Kelly Kwak, 28.

Video surveillance footage of the area recovered by the police showed the defendant and the victim entering the apartment together on March 6, 2023, at approximately 12:45 a.m. Furthermore, video surveillance does not depict any one else entering or exiting the apartment between 12:45 a.m. on March 6, 2023 and the time the police officer discovered the deceased victim.

The Office of the New York City Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be ligature strangulation.

Following an investigation, the defendant was arrested on March 15, 2023 in Brooklyn.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Farin Chasin-Fodeman, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Domestic Violence Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Two Brooklyn Men Indicted for Attempted Murder in Alleged
July Fourth Mass Shooting That Wounded 8, Including 4 Children

Eight Family Members Shot During Family Barbecue in Coney Island;
Youngest Victim’s Puppy Was Struck in Head and Killed

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two Brooklyn men have been indicted on attempted murder and other charges in connection with a mass shooting at a family Fourth of July barbecue in Coney Island. The shooting left eight people, including four children, wounded. A 10-week-old puppy belonging to the youngest victim was shot in the head and killed.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants are allegedly responsible for unleashing a barrage of gunfire into a courtyard packed with families celebrating the Fourth of July, striking eight people—including four children—and killing a six-year-old boy’s puppy. The fact that no person was killed is extraordinary, but it does not diminish the alleged recklessness and brutality of this attack. We will now seek to hold both defendants fully accountable for the devastation they are accused of causing.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Robert Smith, 44, and Kevin Blunt, 44, both of Coney Island. They are charged together in an 88-count indictment with first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, first- and second-degree criminal use of a firearm, second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree attempted assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. Smith was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and was ordered held without bail and to return to court on October 14, 2026. Blunt was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin on August 3, 2026, and was ordered held without bail and to return to court on August 19, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 4, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., approximately 50 people were gathered for a family barbecue in the courtyard of a residential building near Surf Avenue and West 30^th Street in Coney Island when the defendants allegedly approached. It is alleged that Smith fired attempted to fire into the barbecue, and when the gun appeared to jam, Blunt helped clear it, allowing Smith to fire approximately 15 shots into the crowd.

Eight people were struck by gunfire, including four boys, ages six, seven, 12 and 14, and four adults, ages 21, 25, 33 and 37. The victims were taken to local hospitals, where the 21-year-old woman was initially listed in critical condition and the remaining victims were in stable condition. Additionally, the six-year-old victim’s 10-week-old puppy, Sky, was shot in the head and killed.

According to the investigation, surveillance footage allegedly captured the shootings and the defendants’ actions before, during and after the attack. Smith was apprehended by the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force on July 8, 2026, in the confines of the 60^th Precinct. Blunt was subsequently apprehended by the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force in the confines of the 84^th Precinct.

The District Attorney thanked Detective Omar Santiago of the Brooklyn South Video Team and Detective Andrew Noto of the 60^th Precinct Detective Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Adam Ghalmi and Assistant District Attorney Cassidy Oliver, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief and overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Joseph Alexis, Chief of the District Attorney’s Trial Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 26 Years to Life in Prison for
Murder and Dismemberment of Girlfriend

Defendant Lived with Victim’s Remains for Weeks,
Used Her Money to Pay Women Engaged in Prostitution

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for murdering and dismembering his girlfriend. The defendant then stayed in her East New York apartment for weeks and used her money while her remains decomposed.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “D’Asia Johnson suffered horrific violence at the hands of this defendant, who then compounded that cruelty with conduct that showed a staggering disregard for her life, her dignity and the loved ones desperately searching for her. He has now been held accountable for that horrific brutality, and I hope D’Asia’s family can find some measure of solace and justice in today’s sentence.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Justin Williams, 27, of Manhattan. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 26 years to life in prison. He was convicted of second-degree murder, concealment of a human corpse, fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree criminal impersonation and fifth-degree welfare fraud on June 16, 2026, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendant and the victim, D’Asia Johnson, 22, had been in a romantic relationship for several years. During that time, the defendant repeatedly abused her and at the time of her murder, Johnson was the protected party under an order of protection requiring Williams to stay away from her.

On August 21, 2022, Johnson entered her apartment on Linwood Avenue in East New York and never exited the apartment again. In the early morning hours of August 22, 2022, the defendant stabbed the victim numerous times — five times to the front of her torso and four times to the back, striking her heart and lung.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, Williams then dismembered Johnson’s body, placed her remains in garbage bags and kept them inside the apartment bathroom for nearly a month while her family and friends frantically searched for her. During that time, Williams continued living in the apartment and exploited Johnson financially, impersonating her to call out from her job so her paychecks would continue. The defendant used money from the victim’s bank account to pay women engaged in prostitution whom he brought into the apartment while Johnson’s remains decomposed nearby. The defendant also used Johnson’s public benefits to buy food for himself and brought his adolescent son into the apartment during this time.

When members of Johnson’s family came looking for her, the defendant pretended to be Johnson to conceal the fact that she was dead, the evidence showed. Johnson’s remains were ultimately discovered after building personnel, concerned because they had not seen her for some time, conducted a wellness check and contacted police.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Ernest Chin, Deputy Bureau Chief, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Former Police Detective Indicted for Allegedly Assaulting a Cuffed Prisoner

Allegedly Punched Victim in Face and Body Repeatedly While Holding Padlock

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a now-former New York City Police Department detective has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with assault, misconduct and related counts for allegedly assaulting a man inside a holding cell in the 76th Precinct in Carroll Slope, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We expect our police personnel to carry themselves with integrity and respect for others, even when provoked. This defendant allegedly failed that duty and violently attacked a handcuffed and helpless prisoner inside a police precinct. This is unacceptable and criminal conduct for which we will now seek to hold him accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Raymond Ng, 51, of the 76th Precinct detective squad. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with second- and third-degree assault, official misconduct, second- and third-degree menacing, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on October 28, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on the morning of January 19, 2026, a 49-year-old man with no prior convictions came to the 76th Precinct stationhouse to surrender on assault charges after being instructed to do so by a detective who had called him. That detective was not available and the defendant, Detective Ng, proceeded to process the arrest and put handcuffs on the man.

Precinct video shows the defendant taking the man to the holding cell and starting to remove the cuffs off, but then stopped and pushed him into the cell, still handcuffed. The video further shows that the arrestee tried to spit or feign spitting on Detective Ng as he shut the cell’s door. The detective then allegedly entered the cell, tried to kick the victim, and punched him repeatedly while holding the padlock in his right hand. He pushed him onto the wall and cell bars and continued to punch him repeatedly in the face with his right hand until other officers intervened.

The victim suffered an orbital fracture, an abrasion on the face, bleeding, bruising, and pain in his head and right shoulder. He was taken to New York Presbyterian/Methodist Hospital where he was treated and released. The misdemeanor case against him has since been dismissed.

The defendant, who joined the NYPD in 2015, has been demoted to police officer and placed on modified duty.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Carter, of the District Attorney’s Law Enforcement Accountability Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Mark Pagliuco, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Eribo, 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 4, 2026

Brooklyn Had the Fewest Homicides in Any Month Ever This July
As Gun Violence Continues to Decline from Historic Lows

Marking Today’s National Night Out Against Crime After the Longest Murder-Free
Stretch in Brooklyn History; Only Two Homicides Committed in July

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Brooklyn recorded just two homicides in July, tying the record from this January for the fewest killings in any calendar month. Brooklyn then went 29 consecutive days without a murder — the longest such streak on record. This unprecedented achievement punctuates an ongoing and historic decline in violent crime with homicides dropping by over a third so far this year compared to last year’s record-breaking low.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “For New York City’s most populous borough to go 29 consecutive days without a murder, during the summer months when violence has historically been at its highest, is an extraordinary achievement that would have been almost unimaginable just a few years ago. Brooklyn is experiencing a genuine public safety renaissance, driven by focused enforcement, strong prosecutions, community partnership and sustained investments in preventing violence before it occurs. We are proud of this progress, and we remain determined to bring the same safety and stability to every neighborhood in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney said that there was a homicide in Brooklyn on July 1 and another on July 2. There were no murders since then until a woman was found dead in a suspected domestic incident on August 1. That 29-day stretch is the longest period of no killings in Brooklyn’s modern history. Historically, the highest levels of homicides take place during the summer months. The previous record was 24 days in October 2016. The only other month with just two murders was January of this year. The only months with three homicides on record were December 2025 and February 2026. Typically, the highest levels of homicides take place during the summer months.

[Note that these stats exclude homicides that were reclassified from previous years; the rest of the numbers in this release are based on the NYPD’s Compstat report which includes two additional reclassified murders this year.]

So far in 2026, homicides in Brooklyn are down 37% and shooting incidents are down 16%. Notably, the 22 fewer homicides in Brooklyn compared to this time last year make up 47% of the citywide decline in homicides. The 24 fewer shooting incidents in Brooklyn make up 85% of the citywide decline in shootings to date.

All other major crime categories, except for reported rape, are also on the decline in Brooklyn this year, including a 14% drop in burglaries, 12.5% in grand theft auto and 10% in robberies. Reported hate crimes have decreased by over 21%.

The Brooklyn DA’s Office is employing a comprehensive Stop Violence strategy to end gun violence in Brooklyn, which includes focus on the individuals who cause the most harm, long-term investigations of gang and firearm trafficking, investments in technology, enhanced attention to gun prosecutions, community partnerships, alternative and preventative programs, engagement with youth, outreach initiatives and more.

In recent months, the DA’s Office secured three major gang indictments: against two rival Brownsville gangs in April, two allied crews from Coney Island in May, and two Folk Nation subsets in June. It also relaunched Project Restore, a groundbreaking violence prevention program for gang-involved young men, and hosted a successful gun buyback where nearly 200 weapons were turned over, a student-led youth summit on safety, and an anti-gun violence rally. It additionally took part in a youth listening tour, among other events, and have promoted peace across Brooklyn.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatally
Stabbing Former Roommate in Brighton Beach

Defendant Ignored Order of Protection and Attacked
Victim in His Home in Early-Morning Ambush

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally stabbing his former roommate inside the Brighton Beach apartment they once shared. The defendant broke into the victim’s home in the early morning hours, violating a court order, and ambushed the victim.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a brutal and premeditated attack carried out in the supposed safety of the victim’s home. The defendant ignored a court order, returned to the apartment they once shared and viciously took a life in a horrific act of violence. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for that harm.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Pavel Orgaev, 62, of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The defendant was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal contempt on December 6, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, in May 2020 the defendant and victim, Dimitri Buvenov, 45, were living together in a basement apartment in Brighton Beach. After an alleged physical altercation between the two left the victim with broken ribs, the defendant was arrested, and an order of protection was issued requiring him to stay away from the victim. Days later, on May 11, 2020, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the defendant walked from his nearby residence to the victim’s apartment, which they had previously shared. In violation of the court order, the defendant unlawfully entered the home and fatally stabbed the victim numerous times.

The victim was discovered inside the apartment and pronounced dead at the scene.

The District Attorney thanked the KCDA Detective Investigators, the Digital Evidence Lab, and Homicide Paralegal Sarah-Jane Quashie for their assistance on the case

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 20, 2026

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Together With the NYPD, Attorney General James and State Comptroller DiNapoli Collected 191 Guns in Buyback Event

Participants received up to $500 per Firearm; Hosted in a Clinton Hill Church

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, today announced that a total of 191 firearms were turned in during a Gun Buyback event that was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Saturday. The impressive haul included 158 revolvers and semi-automatic pistols as well as nine assault rifles.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I sleep better at night after events like this, knowing that close to 200 weapons are no longer in homes and potentially on our streets. Every gun we collected is one fewer weapon that now cannot be used to commit crimes, in suicides or picked up by a child. I thank Emmanuel Baptist Church, all our partners and every New Yorker who came out despite torrential rains to make our city safer. As Brooklyn continues to experience a historically safe year and summer in terms of gun violence, we are committed to keep reducing the proliferation of guns, engage our communities and further improve public safety.”

Commissioner Tisch said, “Every gun recovered is a potential tragedy avoided and life saved. Thanks to the NYPD’s precision policing strategy, and the men and women in uniform who do this dangerous work, we have removed over 2,700 guns from our streets so far this year and driven down gun violence and murders to record lows. We will continue to invest in these important programs with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

Attorney General James said, “Every gun removed from our communities is a potential life saved and crisis averted. This gun buyback event resulted in the removal of 191 unwanted guns from our streets, marking a critical step in our fight to protect our communities from gun violence. I thank my friends District Attorney Gonzalez, NYPD Commissioner Tisch, and Comptroller DiNapoli for their commitment to protecting New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence.”

State Comptroller DiNapoli said, “Gun violence costs our communities and New Yorkers. Getting guns out of homes and off our streets is a critical part of prevention and saving lives. Thanks to District Attorney Gonzalez, Attorney General James and the NYPD we bought back and destroyed 191 guns. A win for Brooklyn and New York.”

Dr. Shareka N. Newton, Senior Pastor-Elect of Emmanuel Baptist Church, said, “I am from Brooklyn, and I know firsthand the difference a safe, caring community can make in the life of a young person. I was able to grow, dream, and become who I am because people in this community helped protect and nurture me. Hosting this Gun Buyback was one small but meaningful way Emmanuel Baptist Church can help provide that same opportunity for another child and another family.”

Participants at the event received $500 for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (maximum three per person), $200 for ghost guns or 3D printed guns (maximum of two per person), $75 for each rifle or shotgun and $25 for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. The first 60 people also received a $100 retail store gift card.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD host gun buybacks in different neighborhoods a couple of times each year. Over the past four years, over 1,000 firearms have been collected at the events. Saturday had the second highest number of turned-in weapons over that period.

The event was held as Brooklyn is experiencing its safest year in modern history, building on record-lows set in 2025, when homicides, shooting incidents and shooting victims fell to their lowest levels since recordkeeping began. So far in 2026, those categories are down an additional 33%, 18% and 10%, respectively.

The District Attorney thanked Emmanuel Baptist Church, Police Commissioner Tisch, Attorney General James and State Comptroller DiNapoli for their partnership.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 17, 2026

Manhattan Man Sentenced for Hit-and-Run that Killed Off-Duty Cop

Driver Hit Victim’s Motorcycle with Truck on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway,
Left Scene of Incident

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Manhattan man has been sentenced to up to four years in prison in connection with leaving the scene of an incident after striking an off-duty police officer who was riding a motorcycle on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant’s actions demonstrate a callous disregard for those around him. Despite knowing he caused a serious traffic incident, the defendant left the scene. While nothing can replace Officer Pena or fully heal the grief and loss of his family and friends, I hope this prison sentence provides some sense of closure. My Office will continue working tirelessly to ensure that Brooklyn’s streets are safe for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Carlos Almanzar Toribio, 31, of Manhattan. He was sentenced today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Christopher Robles to an indeterminate term of one-and-one-third to four years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an incident in which serious injury or death results on April 21, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m., on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, the victim, an off-duty NYPD officer, was driving his personal motorcycle westbound on the highway when he and his motorcycle were struck by and forced under a box truck driven by the defendant. The victim was ejected onto the roadway, while the defendant continued to operate the truck, dragging the victim’s motorcycle for nearly 600 feet before the defendant stopped his vehicle.

The defendant then attempted to remove the victim’s motorcycle from underneath the truck by hand before re-entering the truck, driving over the motorcycle and continuing westbound.

NYPD detectives from the Collision Investigation Squad responded to the scene and, using continuous video surveillance footage, traced the defendant’s truck to the Gravesend area of Brooklyn, where they apprehended him. Upon further examination, detectives found the defendant had removed a temporary license plate that had been affixed to the truck and replaced it with another temporary plate. The detectives found the original temporary plate on scene, torn into multiple pieces. A search pursuant to a warrant also recovered a footpeg from the victim’s motorcycle in the cab of the truck. Video surveillance footage depicts the defendant removing the footpeg from the truck’s rear tires.

The victim was taken to NYU Langone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The case was investigated by the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher Dunne, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, with the assistance of Assistance District Attorney Ashley Infante, also of the Blue Zone, and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, Deputy Chief the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Chief of the Blue Zone, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Killing
O’Shae Sibley in Anti-Gay Attack at Midwood Gas Station

Defendant Hurled Homophobic Slurs at Victim and His Friends,
Who were Dancing and Listening to Music, Before Stabbing Victim

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following his conviction for manslaughter as a hate crime for taunting, stabbing and killing O’Shae Sibley, 28, at a Midwood gas station after hurling homophobic and anti-Black slurs at him and his friends, who stopped for gas after a day at the beach.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “O’Shae Sibley was simply being himself – a black gay man enjoying a summer evening – but his mere existence caused this defendant to curse, harass and ultimately kill him. Everyone in Brooklyn must be allowed to live as they wish and love who they want, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm others out of bias and hate. I hope today’s sentence will bring some closure to O’Shae’s many loved ones and to the entire LGTBQ+ community, which has been shaken by this tragic and deeply upsetting crime.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dmitriy Popov, 20, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas to 20 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision following his conviction last month of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime, second-degree menacing, second-degree aggravated harassment, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 29, 2023, at approximately 11:06 p.m., at a Mobil gas station located at 1935 Coney Island Avenue in Midwood, Brooklyn, O’Shae Sibley and four of his friends stopped to fill up their car with gas after returning from the beach. Still in their beachwear, they stepped out to stretch their legs while listening to music, with one member of the group dancing outside their vehicle. The defendant and two associates then exited the gas station store and hurled homophobic and racist slurs at the men, saying, in sum and substance, “Get that gay s–t out of here.”

Sibley attempted to diffuse the situation and he and his friends responded, in substance, “You don’t know us, we’re just having a good time and enjoying our lives. It’s all respect, we’re allowed to be here just like you.” The defendant’s friends left at some point, but the defendant remained outside the gas station store, recording on his cell phone and continuing to antagonize the group with hateful remarks. When Sibley and two of his friends confronted the defendant, he reached into his pocket and pointed a knife at one of Sibley’s friends, threatening to stab him. The defendant then stabbed Sibley on the side of his chest, puncturing his heart, according to the evidence.

Sibley was pronounced dead at Maimonides Hospital a short time later.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jafari, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Prabhalya Pulim, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Kelli Muse, Hate Crimes Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and the NYPD, in Partnership with Attorney General and State Comptroller, to Offer $500 for Firearms at Gun Buyback

Will be Held this Saturday in Clinton Hill, No ID Required, No Questions Asked
First 60 Participants Will Also get $100 Retail Gift Card

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, together with Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 279 Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Those who turn in operable handguns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card for each, while those relinquishing ghost or 3D printed guns will receive $200. In addition, the first 60 participants will receive a $100 retail store gift card.

Media availability will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. (members of the press are asked not to arrive before 3:30 p.m.).

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn continues to improve on last year’s record-setting lows in gun violence, with murders dropping by over 30% so far this year. This remarkable success is borne of a comprehensive strategy that combines enforcement actions with preventative, community-centered initiatives. Gun Buybacks are integral to our efforts as they allow anyone in the city to help reduce the number of firearms in our streets and homes, preventing potential tragedies and crimes. I encourage every New Yorker to take advantage of this opportunity, safely turn in a gun, and get some cash and a gift card to spend this summer.”

Commissioner Tisch said, “Every gun recovered is a potential tragedy avoided and life saved. Thanks to the NYPD’s precision policing strategy, and the men and women in uniform who do this dangerous work, we have removed over 2,700 guns from our streets so far this year and driven down gun violence and murders to record lows. We will continue to invest in these important programs with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

Attorney General James said, “Gun buyback events encourage New Yorkers to be a part of the solution against gun violence by turning in unwanted firearms with no questions asked. The upcoming buyback event my office is coordinating with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is a step in the right direction toward a safer community for everyone, especially our children. My office will continue to work with our partners to protect New York families from gun violence.”

State Comptroller DiNapoli said, “Keeping New Yorkers safe starts at home and fewer guns on our streets. This buyback gives people a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted firearms while reducing the risk of accidents and gun-related crimes. Every gun turned in is one more step in the right direction. District Attorney Gonzalez’s smart local strategy is making a big difference in Brooklyn. I look forward to partnering with him, Commissioner Tisch and Attorney General James on more creative ways to create safer communities.”

Dr. Shareka N. Newton, Senior Pastor-Elect of Emmanuel Baptist Church, said, “I am from Brooklyn, and I know firsthand the difference a safe, caring community can make in the life of a young person. I was able to grow, dream, and become who I am because people in this community helped protect and nurture me. Hosting this Gun Buyback is one small but meaningful way Emmanuel Baptist Church can help provide that same opportunity for another child and another family. Gun violence steals talent, interrupts futures, and leaves families carrying wounds that can last for generations. I encourage every person who has an illegal firearm to help us make a difference: turn it in, remove a potential tragedy from our streets, and walk away richer; not only in cash, but in spirit and in the knowledge that you helped make Brooklyn and New York City safer.”

The District Attorney said that his office and the NYPD will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (maximum three per person). There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns (a maximum of two per person). Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. The first 60 people will also receive a $100 retail store gift card, thanks to donations from the Attorney General’s and Comptroller’s offices.

No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked.

The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

Emmanuel Baptist Church is located two blocks from the Clinton-Washington Ave. Station on the G subway line and a block away from a B38 bus stop.

The event comes as Brooklyn is experiencing its safest year in modern history, building on record-lows set in 2025, when homicides, shooting incidents and shooting victims fell to their lowest levels since recordkeeping began. So far in 2026, those categories are down an additional 33%, 18% and 10%, respectively.

The DA’s Office hosts periodic Gun Buybacks throughout the year in different Brooklyn neighborhoods. Over 700 firearms have been collected at these events over the past three years.

The District Attorney thanked Emmanuel Baptist Church Police Commissioner Tisch, Attorney General James and State Comptroller DiNapoli for their partnership.

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