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Monday, January 8, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for

Execution Murder of One Man and Shooting and Injuring a Second Man

Defendant Opened Fire Inside of Crowded Deli

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting one man and shooting and wounding a second man inside of a crowded deli in East New York, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant showed a complete indifference to human life when he callously opened fire inside of a crowded deli, repeatedly shooting and killing one man, a soon-to-be father, and shooting and severely wounding a second man. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Marcus Worrell, 28, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 9, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 5, 2020, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the defendant entered a deli located at 620 Livonia Avenue and shot Evon Hillman, 28, and continued firing at him even after the victim fell to the ground. Hillman died instantly, according to testimony. A second man, age 40, who was standing next to the victim, was shot in the stomach and suffered massive internal damage.

The defendant then left the deli, according to the evidence, and robbed another man of his motorbike at gunpoint to escape. He was arrested two months later, on August 5, 2020, by the New York City Police Department.

Evon Hillman’s fiancée gave birth to their son two months after the murder.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, 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, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 8, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for
Execution Murder of One Man and Shooting and Injuring a Second Man

Defendant Opened Fire Inside of Crowded Deli

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting one man and shooting and wounding a second man inside of a crowded deli in East New York, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant showed a complete indifference to human life when he callously opened fire inside of a crowded deli, repeatedly shooting and killing one man, a soon-to-be father, and shooting and severely wounding a second man. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Marcus Worrell, 28, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 9, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 5, 2020, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the defendant entered a deli located at 620 Livonia Avenue and shot Evon Hillman, 28, and continued firing at him even after the victim fell to the ground. Hillman died instantly, according to testimony. A second man, age 40, who was standing next to the victim, was shot in the stomach and suffered massive internal damage.

The defendant then left the deli, according to the evidence, and robbed another man of his motorbike at gunpoint to escape. He was arrested two months later, on August 5, 2020, by the New York City Police Department.

Hillman’s fiancée gave birth to their son two months after the murder.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, 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, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Thursday, December 29, 2023

Shootings and Shooting Victims Dropped by About 25% in Brooklyn in 2023,
Accelerating Three-Year Decline; Homicides Down by 10%

Significant Decline in Gun Homicides, Total Serious Crimes Reduced by Over 5%

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Brooklyn continued to make significant gains in public safety in 2023, with shooting incidents and victims both dropping by about 25% compared to the previous year. Those numbers translate to about 150 fewer shooting victims. Homicides decreased by almost 10% and overall index crimes declined by more than 5%. These encouraging statistics are part of years-long trend that reversed the spike in gun violence during the height of the COVID pandemic and reverted back to pre-pandemic territory, when such crimes were at their lowest in recorded history. The Brooklyn DA’s Office continued to focus on reducing violence by targeting violent street gangs, partnering with community-based organizations to prevent at-risk youth from becoming either perpetrators or victims of gun violence, and enhancing efforts to better prosecute gun offenses. It also continued its efforts to correct miscarriages of justice and to strengthen fairness and equity in the legal system.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is gratifying to see the progress we are making in keeping Brooklyn safe. This past year, we experienced a marked reduction in gun violence with shootings and shooting victims declining by a full quarter and homicide decreasing by 10%. These are not just numbers; these are 150 fewer people suffering gunshot injuries that would have altered their lives forever. While every act of gun violence is one too many, we are on the right track with most other serious crimes also trending downward. These achievements are a testament to the joint effort among my office, the Brooklyn community, the NYPD and all other law enforcement and community partners. As we look to 2024, I am hopeful and confident that we can continue to make our borough safer and strengthen trust in the justice system.”

The District Attorney said that there were 337 shooting incidents in Brooklyn this year, down 100 or 25% compared to 449 in 2022. There were 147 fewer shooting victims – 397 compared to 544, or down 27%. There were also 15 fewer murders, or a 10% decline. The decrease in gun homicides was notable, with 10 fewer shooting-related homicides or 63% of total number of murders committed this year. This percentage is analogous to 2018 and 2019, when homicides in Brooklyn reached record lows and those involving shootings stood at 64% in each of those years. That ratio jumped to 80% in 2020 and 72% in 2021. The reduction in shooting related homicides is another indication of improvements in gun violence.

The most notable gains in public safety took place in Brooklyn North precincts, first among them the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, where murders dropped by a whopping 67% (from 21 to 7) and shootings decreased by 30%. Shootings also declined in East New York (75th Precinct), by 32%, and Bedford-Stuyvesant (81st Precinct), by 47%. Greenpoint (94th Precinct) saw one shooting, compared to eight in the previous year (down 87.5%). The southern neighborhoods that experienced the biggest drops in shootings were Sheepshead Bay (61st Precinct), down 71.5%, and Coney Island (60th Precinct), down 55.6%. The number of shootings decreased in 18 out of the 23 Brooklyn precincts. And gun violence in public housing developments declined significantly with 41% fewer shootings and 42% fewer shooting victims.

The seven major index crimes (murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand theft auto) decreased in Brooklyn by 5.1% this year compared to 2022. Burglaries decreased by 18.4%, grand larcenies by 7.2%, reported rape by 6.1% and robberies by 4.2%. The only upticks, by about 2.5% each, were in felony assaults and grand theft auto. [These stats are based on the New York City Police Department’s preliminary CompStat reports as of 12/24/2023.]

The DA’s Office’s efforts to combat gun violence this year included the takedown of two rival street crews with the indictment of 32 alleged gang members. A central figure in one of the gangs was successful drill rapper “Sheff G,” who allegedly used his music industry earnings to bankroll and encourage acts of violence. The office also secured the conviction of a man who killed a gang rival, sparking the cycle of violence between the two groups. Other initiatives focused on prevention, such as support to a program that aims to reduce shootings by addressing domestic violence, engagement of criminal justice involved youth, and gun buyback events.

Brooklyn’s Conviction Review Unit continued its crucial work to correct past miscarriages of justice, exonerating three individuals over the course of 2023. They included a man who served 18 years in prison, having been arrested based on a witness identification of a different man with the same name; a man who pleaded guilty to murder but a reinvestigation revealed that another person was responsible; and a man who spent 35 years in prison for a conviction that was based on an unreliable witness.

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

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Brooklyn Landlord Indicted on Attempted Murder and Arson Charges

For Allegedly Setting Fire to Rental Property With 8 People Inside

Defendant Allegedly Threatened Family of Tenants Over Unpaid Rent at Cypress Hills Home

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn landlord has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, arson and related charges for allegedly setting fire to a Cypress Hills rental property he owned while a family of eight tenants, including six young children, slept inside. It is alleged the defendant had previously threatened to burn the building down as part of an ongoing dispute over unpaid rent. During the dispute, the defendant allegedly left a dead cat outside the family’s apartment.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly set fire to an occupied home, forcing an entire family, including six small children, to climb onto the roof and escape from the blaze in fear of their lives. It’s a miracle no one was killed or more seriously hurt. We will now seek to hold the defendant accountable for this allegedly deliberate and unconscionable act of arson.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rafiqul Islam, 66, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 59-count indictment in which he is charged with first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree attempted assault, second-degree attempted arson, third- and fourth-degree arson, first- and second-degree reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on January 31, 2024. The defendant faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant is the owner of 212 Forbell Street, a two-story, two-family home in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. Built in 1920, the building has a single entrance and no fire escape.

On September 26, 2023, at approximately 5:17 a.m., a tenant on the second floor noticed a burning smell from outside his family’s apartment. The tenant exited the apartment and saw smoke and flames coming up from the interior stairwell – the only point of egress within the building. As the fire spread, the entire family, including six children, ages 1 to 8, were forced to climb out of a back window and onto the roof. From there, two adult tenants were able to drop the children into the arms of neighbors waiting approximately 20 feet below. The two tenants then jumped off the roof the ground. One of the tenants called 911.

 Firefighters arrived to find the building fully engulfed. Approximately 55 firefighters were needed to extinguish the blaze while family members were taken to Brookdale Hospital and treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Video surveillance obtained by FDNY Fire Marshals allegedly shows the defendant enter the building wearing a mask and carrying a bucket and a garbage bag. Additionally, video surveillance captured immediately before the tenant’s 911 call shows the defendant leaving the building. Witnesses were subsequently able to identify the defendant from the surveillance footage.

Police arrested the defendant on October 25, 2023.  The defendant was allegedly angry that the tenants had stopped paying rent and refused to move out of the building, according to the investigation. Three prior complaints were lodged between the defendant and the tenants dating back to February 2023. They include accusations from the tenants that the defendant threatened to cut off the family’s power and, later, set fire to the building. The defendant also allegedly placed a dead cat in the hallway outside the family’s apartment.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Miguel Rodriguez, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Andrea Orlando, Deputy Chief of the Red Zone, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.

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

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Monday, December 18, 2023

Burglar Who Broke into Williamsburg Matzah Factory
Sentenced to up to Five Years in Prison

Stole Over $94,000 Just Weeks Before Passover

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to two-and-a-half to five years in prison for breaking into a Matzah factory in Williamsburg and stealing cash and checks worth over $94,000. The theft took place weeks before Passover, when the business was ramping up operations ahead of the Jewish holiday.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant brazenly broke into a religious institution that was gearing up to make matzahs before the start of a Jewish holiday. He was caught red handed and will now be held responsible. My office will continue to protect the property of everyone in Brooklyn and to hold offenders to account.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Muntaquim Durant, 44, of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Raymond Rodriguez to two-and-a-half to five years in prison, following his guilty plea in October to third-degree burglary.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 28, 2023, at approximately 9:50 a.m., the defendant entered the Satmar matzah bakery at 423 Broadway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Surveillance video captured him enter the building, rummage through jackets on a coat rack, go upstairs, pour himself a cup of coffee, and enter the location’s office on the second floor.

The office was locked, but the defendant forced his way in and then exited the office a few seconds later with what appeared to be a wad of cash and checks in his pockets. He then exited the location.

An employee later entered the office and noticed checks were thrown around on the floor, and that there were missing checks and missing cash. The stolen checks totaled over $34,000 and the cash totaled over $60,000. Another employee called 911 and made a report.

The case detective created a wanted poster using the surveillance footage and other detectives identified the defendant, who was a suspect in other burglaries. He was arrested on March 15, 2023, during a routine traffic stop.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Brogna and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Kong, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Williamsburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Following Conviction for Violent Assault of Modell’s Employees

Defendant Slashed One Worker in Back and Neck, Sliced Second Man Across Face

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for assaulting two Modell’s Sporting Goods employees in Williamsburg after they tried to stop him from shoplifting.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my highest priority, and violent offenders like this defendant must face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him responsible for this vicious assault that injured and traumatized two young men.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as John Whichard, 43, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to 10 years in prison. The defendant was convicted of first-degree assault and second-degree assault on October 26, 2023, following a jury trial. A co-defendant, Gerald Rowlett, 53, of Williamsburg, was convicted of petit larceny and sentenced to six months jail.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 12, 2020, at approximately 11:35 a.m., the defendant and Rowlett were inside of a Modell’s Sporting Goods store located at 4 Graham Avenue in Williamsburg when they were approached by a store manager, who attempted to retrieve items the men placed in their bag. Two employees, both 20-year-old men, attempted to intervene and assist the store manager.

The defendant then slashed one employee in his back and the back of his neck and sliced the other employee across his face, according to the evidence. Both victims were treated at Woodhull Hospital. The defendants were arrested following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer DaRin and Assistant District Attorney Kirsten Tamayo, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Brooklyn Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for

 Death of 9-year-old Daughter in Crown Heights Apartment

Child Died Trying to Escape Beating by Defendant, Hid Under Bed that Collapsed on Her

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for beating her 9-year-old daughter, Shalom Guifarro, to death in the family’s apartment in Crown Heights. The defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter in October.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The life of an innocent young girl was tragically and horrifically cut short at the hands of her own mother. Hopefully today’s sentence allows for some closure for all who were deeply affected by this heart wrenching case.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Shemene Cato, 50, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 15 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on October 26, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 15, 2022, at approximately 8 a.m., inside the family’s fourth-floor apartment, located at 571 Lincoln Place, the defendant beat Shalom and another daughter, 13, with an electrical cord and a broom during an argument over a missing tablet. The beating lasted for approximately two hours. At one point, Shalom tried to escape the defendant by crawling under a bed. The defendant then lifted the bed and attempted to pull Shalom out from under it. According to the evidence, the defendant then dropped the bed, causing the leg to fall off, and the bed to fall on Shalom’s head.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant called 911 at 1 p.m., and EMS responded and performed CPR on Shalom, who was pronounced dead at 1:21 p.m. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that the child suffered multiple blunt force impact injuries to her head, face, and body. The cause of death was blunt force trauma. The defendant’s 13-year-old daughter was taken to Brooklyn Hospital and treated for lacerations and contusions over her lower body.

The District Attorney thanked Special Victims Bureau Supervising Paralegal Melissa Palmaccio and Discovery Paralegal Julia Holman for their assistance on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Linda Weinman, Counsel to the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Simpson, also of the Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Brooklyn Lawyer Indicted for Allegedly Stealing

Nearly $1.5 Million from Three Clients

Allegedly Kept Home Sale Proceeds and Estate Funds

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Brooklyn lawyer Salvatore Strazzullo has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with stealing close to $1.5 million from three clients he represented in real estate and estate proceedings.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Attorneys have an ethical duty to protect their clients’ interests, and we will hold accountable those who use their trusted position to steal from Brooklyn residents. The defendant in this case is a lawyer who allegedly betrayed his clients and failed to provide them with their money. Instead, he is accused of violating the trust of vulnerable individuals and using their funds to pay creditors and other expenses.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Salvatore Strazzullo, 51, whose law office is located in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson on an indictment in which he is charged with one count of first-degree grand larceny, two counts of second-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on January 17, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant represented a 79-year-old woman on the sale of her house on 67^th Street in Bensonhurst. The proceeds of the sale were over $1.2 million. After the closing in September 2023, the client asked that the defendant give her the money, but he allegedly made excuses, claimed there were various delays and, to date, has not turned over her funds.

It is further alleged that the defendant represented another client, an 80-year-old man, on the sale of his property on 13^th Avenue in Borough Park. The closing was in July 2022. In July of this year, the client requested that the defendant provide him with the balance of the sale proceeds, approximately $170,000. The defendant allegedly made excuses, stalled, delayed and, to date, has not turned over that money.

Finally, it is alleged that the defendant represented a 52-year-old woman in Surrogate’s Court proceedings pertaining to her husband’s estate. The defendant held the estate funds in his attorney escrow account and disbursed some of the assets to the client, who is the administrator and sole inheritor of the estate. Starting in May 2023, the client repeatedly asked that the defendant disburse approximately $96,000 that remained in the account, but he allegedly made excuses, stalled, delayed and, to date, has not turned over those funds.

The investigation revealed that much of the funds that were entrusted to the defendant by the three victims were allegedly used to pay creditors or to pay expenses that had no connection to the clients’ legal matters.

People who believe they have been victimized by this defendant are encouraged to contact the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Action Center at 718-250-2340 or to send an email to StrazzulloComplaints@brooklynda.org.

            Supervising Financial Investigator Susan Ryan, of the District Attorney’s Asset Forfeiture and Crimes Against Revenue Bureau, Paralegal Sheila Jones and Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona, both of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and a Detective Investigator all assisted in the investigation.

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

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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Long Island Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking of Teenage Girl

Defendant Also Charged with Promoting Prostitution of 26-Year-Old Woman

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with sex trafficking of a child and other charges for allegedly forcing a 15-year-old girl to engage in prostitution.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly exploited a vulnerable teenager to engage in prostitution over several days before she was able to escape. I am deeply committed to bringing to justice individuals who prey on troubled and at-risk young people, and we will now seek to hold this defendant accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Terrence Reid, a.k.a. Chinchilla, 43, of Hempstead, New York. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with sex trafficking of a child, sex trafficking, attempted sex trafficking, second-, third-, and fourth-degree promoting prostitution, and endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on January 31, 2024. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in early 2022 the defendant messaged the 15-year-old victim on Instagram, and they messaged back and forth for a few days.

In May 2023, the 15-year-old, who was going through challenges at home, allegedly agreed to meet with the defendant, who picked her up at her aunt’s home in Brooklyn.

The defendant then allegedly took the 15-year-old and a 26-year-old woman to a hotel in East Orange, New Jersey, had semi-nude photos of them taken, and posted them online on a website used for prostitution. The older woman then allegedly began engaging in prostitution at the hotel. After a few days, it is alleged, the defendant drove both females to a hotel on Jamaica Avenue in Queens, where they rented a room.

The defendant then allegedly drove them to a prostitution street track on Pennsylvania Avenue in the 75th Precinct, where they were allegedly forced to walk the track all night until about 7 a.m. the following morning.

The 15-year-old allegedly engaged in numerous acts of prostitution while walking the “Penn Track” from May 22 to May 25, 2023. The defendant allegedly imposed a $300 a day quota on both women, warning them “it would be a problem” if they did not meet the quota.

Furthermore, it is alleged, on May 25, 2023, while on the “Penn Track,” the 15-year-old was allegedly assaulted and robbed by a man who paid to have sex with her. When she told the defendant what happened, he allegedly screamed at her and ordered her to get back on the track.

Finally, it is alleged, while everyone was sleeping at the hotel in Queens, the 15-year-old sneaked out of the room, got in a taxi and reported the incidents to her case worker.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Aurora Martinez, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau.

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

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Friday, December 8, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 55 Years to Life for Shooting Death of Innocent Mother of Four, Attempted Murder of Two Men

Victim was Walking Home from Work When She was Struck by Stray Bullet

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 55 years to life in prison for the shooting death of a woman in Crown Heights as she was walking home from work. The defendant was firing at two men during the incident, including a 30-year-old man who was struck in the arm.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Limose Thomas, an innocent mother of four, had her life taken from her when this defendant coldly opened fire on a crowded street filled with pedestrians and bystanders, including young children, on a summer evening. My heart goes out to her family and friends, who hopefully find a measure of solace with today’s sentence.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Oliver Case, 31, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice to 55 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder on November 2, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on August 19, 2021, at approximately 8:30 p.m., in the vicinity of 1525 Saint Johns Place in Crown Heights, the defendant opened fire on two men he was chasing, firing 10 shots. As the defendant chased one of the men, the defendant struck the man in his arm and also shot an innocent bystander, Limose Thomas, 54, who was walking home from work. She was struck once in the back when she attempted to run for safety.

The defendant was arrested on November 16, 2021, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Quon, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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