Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Fourteen Alleged 59 Brims/Bloodhound Brims Gang Members Charged in
Conspiracy Indictment for Murder and Shootings in South Brooklyn

Violence Terrorized Communities in Sheepshead Bay and Coney Island;
Thirteen Charged with Attempted Murder; Two Charged with Shooting Death of a Rival

[Note: materials shown at the press conference are available here]

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, today announced that 14 alleged members of the 59 Brims/Bloodhound Brims street gang were variously charged in an indictment with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, weapons possession, and related charges. In addition to the murder of a rival gang member, the defendants are variously charged in connection with 19 shooting incidents that left nine people injured – including four innocent bystanders.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “”Gun violence hit a record low last year because of strategic enforcement and gang takedowns like today’s, which removed 14 alleged shooters responsible for a staggering level of violence in Coney Island and Sheepshead Bay. These defendants allegedly carried out 19 separate shootings, murdered a rival, and wounded innocent bystanders—lawlessly endangering our communities. We’ve shown that smart, focused enforcement works, and we will continue taking bold action to keep violent criminals off our streets and protect our neighborhoods. I commend our prosecutors and the NYPD for their tireless work in bringing this case forward.”

NYPD Commissioner Tisch said, “Today’s takedown highlights the NYPD’s relentless fight against dangerous street gangs that terrorize our neighborhoods with gun violence. Thanks to the NYPD’s joint efforts with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, we removed 18 illegal firearms from the hands of criminals, including repeat, violent offenders who had no business being back out on the streets in Brooklyn.”

The defendants are being arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justices Danny Chun and Craig Walker on a 129-count indictment in which they are variously charged with second-degree murder, second- and fourth-degree conspiracy, second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and related counts. [See defendant addendum]

The District Attorney said the indictment is the result of a long-term investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division into violence committed by members and associates of the 59 Brims and Bloodhound Brims street gangs, two sets of affiliated Bloods based primarily in Sheepshead Bay and Coney Island. The investigation centered on a series of violent incidents, including a homicide and numerous non-fatal shootings in the 61st, 60th, 67th, 73rd, and 69th Precincts beginning in February 2021.

Rival gangs to the defendants include Folk Nation, FNO, WOOO, and GWAY, a subset of the Gorilla Stone Bloods, according to the investigation. While the rivalry between the defendants’ gangs and Folk has been longstanding, it intensified after the April 29, 2021 homicide of Bloodhound Brim member Davonte Lewis, a.k.a. Dior, outside his high school in Midwood, and has grown into a years-long war.

It is alleged that the 59 Brims/Bloodhound Brims defendants signaled their intent to murder opposition gang members through music videos, recorded jail conversations, cellphone evidence, and Facebook and Instagram posts. Text messages among the defendants allegedly indicates their intent to not just intimidate their rivals but to murder or seriously wound them. One such text message conversation following a May 29, 2022 shooting that resulted in no injuries criticized the shooters for failing to place the intended victims in “critical condition” like they were supposed to.

On May 2, 2021, three days after the homicide of Davonte Lewis, defendant Karon Evans and others allegedly went into rival Folk territory in the vicinity of 3405 Foster Avenue in the 67th Precinct and Evans allegedly shot a rival Folk gang member multiple times in the stomach. The victim survived and suffered a lacerated liver.

It is alleged that 59 Brims/Bloodhound Brims members committed numerous additional shootings during the course of the conspiracy, including the following:

• On February 8, 2022, at approximately 3:10 p.m., defendant Omogoriola Omotosho and another individual, followed a rival gang member to 2926 West 25th Street, an alleged G-WAY home base in Coney Island, and allegedly started firing handguns at the rival on the street and into the lobby which was filled with residents of all ages. No one was injured but several people had to duck to avoid the gunshots. This building, which is located in the middle of Brims territory, has been the site of three separate shootings charged in the indictment.

• On May 29, 2022, at approximately 7:45 p.m., defendant Favorite, an associate, and two unidentified individuals shot at the direction of multiple people congregating around a vehicle at the intersection of West 25th Street and Mermaid Avenue. One of the intended targets returned fire, before running into the building at 2926 West 25th Street, the alleged homebase of G-WAY. No one was injured, but several pedestrians, including a family with a young child, had to duck for cover and narrowly avoided being hit by the crossfire.

• On October 9, 2022, at approximately 7:17 p.m., in front of 2957 Avenue W, the Sheepshead Bay Houses, defendants Ware and an accomplice (who has already pleaded guilty) allegedly fired multiple rounds at a perceived rival, striking him in the arm.

• On October 31, 2022, at approximately 5:10 p.m., in front of 2932 Avenue V, the Nostrand Houses, defendants Ware and Ron Thomas allegedly shot and killed Jamel Nicholson, a Folk gang member and prominent drill rapper, and shot and injured his girlfriend, who suffered gunshot wounds to the thigh and lower abdomen. She remained in critical condition for weeks.

• On June 23, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., defendant Omotosho traveled to a sneaker store located at 9413 Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge for a release of new sneakers. He and other Brims members then spotted a rival Folk gang member inside the store. After watching the rival exit the store at 4:10 p.m., and enter a parked car, Omotosho opened fire with a handgun into the vehicle. The rival gang member was not struck, but two innocent bystanders each suffered gunshot wounds. One was inside the car and the other was waiting in line to buy sneakers.

The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department’s Gun Violence Suppression Division Detectives Tomas Krohn and Patrick Craig under the supervision of Assistant Chief Jason Savino, Deputy Inspector Craig Edelman, Lieutenant Christopher Siani and Sergeant James Haley. The investigation was also conducted by members of Brooklyn South Homicide Squad, the 60th Precinct Squad, the 61st Precinct Squad and Detective Investigators from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel Stern, Senior Assistant District Attorney Radiyah Dobre, and Assistant District Attorney Douglas Steinberg, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gillian DiPietro, Deputy Bureau Chief, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cilia, First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, Bureau Chief.

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

DEFENDANT ADDENDUM:

1. Davonte Manson, 23, of Brooklyn
2. Karon Evans, 21, of Brooklyn
3. Timothy Briggs, 22, of Brooklyn
4. Antoine Favorite, 20, of Brooklyn
5. Jaquell Scales, 21, of Brooklyn
6. Omogoriola Omotosho, 21, of Brooklyn
7. Omarion Harvey, 21, of Brooklyn
8. Logan Cadore, 20, of Brooklyn
9. Jordan Thomas, 30, of Brooklyn
10. Jermel Solise, 18, of Brooklyn
11. Tashawn Ware, 19, of Brooklyn
12. Ron Thomas, 22, of Brooklyn
13. Rashiem Brown, 16, of Brooklyn
14. Albiero Garcia, 15, of Brooklyn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February  4, 2025

Driver Sentenced to 3 to 6 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Causing Collision that Killed Senior Citizen Crossing Street

Defended Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Manslaughter

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to three to six years in prison following his guilty plea to manslaughter for speeding through a red light in his Cadillac SUV and causing a collision that killed a 65-year-old pedestrian.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless and selfish actions robbed an innocent man of his life and devastated a family that will forever mourn this senseless tragedy. No one should have to fear for their life while crossing the street. My heart is with the family of Jun Jin Yang as they continue to grieve their unimaginable loss. I remain steadfast in my commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable and making Brooklyn’s streets safer for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Isidro Rodriguez, 38, of Homecrest, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to three to six years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on November 12, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on May 30, 2022, at approximately 10:18 a.m., the defendant was driving a 2020 Cadillac Escalade north on West 1st Street in Gravesend when he sped through a red light and t-boned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata ride-share vehicle traveling east on Avenue P. The impact of the collision sent the Cadillac spinning toward a 65-year-old man who was crossing the street. The victim, Jun Jin Yang, attempted to move out of the way, but was instead pinned between the Cadillac and another vehicle.

Yang was taken to Maimonides Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The 32-year-old driver of the Uber was treated at Lutheran Hospital for minor injuries. Two passengers, a 29-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter, also suffered minor injuries and were treated at New York Community Hospital.

Data from the black box of the defendant’s Cadillac was recovered by the NYPD. According to the investigation, the box showed the defendant accelerating to 42 m.p.h. in the 25 m.p.h. zone seconds before the crash. The defendant did not deploy his brakes.

The defendant was arrested on July 20, 2022, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Chief of the Orange Zone, Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February  3, 2025

Brooklyn Contractor Indicted for Stealing Approximately $318,000

From Park Slope Couple Renovating Brownstone

Defendant Allegedly Charged for Construction Work That Wasn’t Performed,

Spent Money on Restaurants, Designer Goods, Hotels, and a Porsche

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Williamsburg contractor has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing approximately $318,000 from a Park Slope couple by charging them for a large-scale home renovation project but performing virtually no work. Instead, the defendant allegedly spent the victims’ money on a series of lavish purchases, including restaurants, designer goods and a Porsche.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly lined his own pockets by taking advantage of a Brooklyn family who put their trust in him. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraud in the home improvement industry and seek justice for those who are victimized by criminal conduct.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Hayk Safaryan, 43, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree grand larceny. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on April 2, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, beginning in December 2021, the defendant, a licensed general contractor in Williamsburg, contracted with the victims to perform major renovations to their brownstone in Park Slope.

On June 15, 2022, according to the investigation, the defendant and victims signed a contract that included an itemized list for demolition, site and structural work. The total cost of the project was budgeted at $1,290,000. Two days later, on June 17, 2022, the victims wired a deposit of $322,523 to the defendant’s bank account.

It is further alleged that other than approximately $4,000 that the defendant disbursed to a company to create a site safety plan, the defendant spent all the victims’ funds on purchases unrelated to the project. This allegedly included a $28,000 down payment for a 2018 Porsche Macan S.U.V.; $17,750 on back rent for his apartment; tens of thousands of dollars to cash advance lenders to pay off debts; thousands of dollars on designer goods, including Prada and Alexander McQueen; and thousands of dollars on hotels, bars, restaurants, and an Airbnb in Riverhead, New York.

On February 6, 2023, the defendant’s general contractor’s license expired and was never renewed.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant allegedly ignored repeated demands from the victims to return their money. Initially, the defendant allegedly offered a shifting series of explanations for the lack of progress on the project, including an audit from his insurance company. He allegedly ceased communication with the victims in the spring of 2023.

The investigation began following a report to the District Attorney’s Action Center.

The District Attorney thanked Financial Investigator Jociely Antigua of the Asset Forfeiture and Crimes Against Revenue Bureau for her assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel R. Tibbets, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gavin Miles, Chief of Intake for the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Unprovoked Killing of

Innocent Activist in Stabbing Caught on Surveillance Video

Will Be Sentenced to 20 Years to Life in Prison for Murder of Ryan Carson

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 20-year-old Brooklyn man pleaded guilty for the random and unprovoked murder of Ryan Carson, a social justice activist who was stabbed to death in Bedford Stuyvesant in 2023. The defendant accepted the judge’s offer of 20-years to life in exchange for his guilty plea. 

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Many of us still shudder when recalling the horrific video showing this defendant viciously attacking Ryan Carson and stabbing him to death for no reason at all. Such an unconscionable crime requires the separation of this defendant from our society for a very long time, which is ensured by the promised sentence he’s now facing. Ryan was passionate about making our city a better place and I hope that today’s outcome will bring his loved ones a small sense of closure.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Brian Dowling, 20, of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and accepted the judge’s offer of 20 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 2, 2023, at approximately 3:50 a.m., outside of 57 Malcolm X Boulevard in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the defendant was walking angrily and kicking parked scooters. He observed the victim, who was walking behind him with his girlfriend.

According to the evidence, which includes a clear video of the incident, the defendant turned to the victim and started yelling at him, saying, in part, “I’m going to kill you.” He then swung a knife, striking the victim, who was trying to deescalate the confrontation. The victim attempted to flee but fell over a bus stop bench. The defendant then ran up to him and fatally stabbed him multiple times, striking his heart, as he lay on the ground.

The defendant flung the knife but returned moments later to retrieve it. A search revealed that the murder weapon was hidden under greenery next to a nearby sidewalk.

The defendant turned himself in later that week. A subsequent search warrant of his apartment discovered multiple knives with similar handles to the handle of the knife that was recovered. Clothes matching the ones that the assailant was wearing in the video were also recovered.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 15, 2025

Canarsie Man Indicted for Stabbing Wife to Death

Allegedly Also Slashed 15-year-old Son with Knife when Teen Tried to Intervene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder for allegedly stabbing his wife to death during a jealous rage at their home in Canarsie. It is also alleged the defendant attacked the couple’s 15-year-old son with a knife when the teen tried to defend his mother.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This tragic case of domestic violence has left a family shattered—a woman’s life was taken, and her teenage son now bears the deep emotional scars of witnessing such a brutal act. No family should ever have to suffer this kind of pain, and we are fully committed to seeking justice for them while holding those who commit gender-based violence accountable. For anyone facing abuse, please know that you are not alone—help and support are available.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gordon Lewis, 45, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and to return on court on March 5, 2025. 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 December 22, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the defendant fatally stabbed his 47-year-old wife, Antoinette Stewart-Gordon, during a jealous rage inside the couple’s home on East 81st Street near Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie.

The defendant and the victim had separated and were dating other people. According to the investigation, the defendant came home and observed a bruise-like mark or “hickey” on the victim’s neck and began to choke her. When the couple’s son tried to intervene, the defendant went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife. He then stabbed the victim multiple times in the neck and body. The teen was slashed on the hand when he tried to help his mother, then went to an upstairs neighbor who called 911.

The victim was taken to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

The teen was treated at the hospital and released.

The defendant turned himself in at the local precinct the next day.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Fitton, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 10, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison for Shooting and Killing Man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights

Victim Was a Father Who Died Defending His Daughter

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

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The viciousness of the defendant’s actions cannot be overstated, and the lengthy prison term to which he has been sentenced holds him accountable for killing an innocent man in cold blood. While nothing can fill the void left by this tragedy, I hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace to Mr. Scarlett’s family and loved ones. As Brooklyn ended last year as the safest on record for gun violence, my office remains committed to protecting our communities and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Waki Bullock, 33, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht. The defendant was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder on December 9, 2024, following a jury trial.

A co-defendant, Rashawn Brown, 28, of Crown Heights, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted burglary, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His case is pending, and his next court appearance is February 6, 2025.

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

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

The defendant fled to Georgia and was later apprehended and returned to Brooklyn on July 10, 2021.

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Fugitive Arraigned for 2017 Murder of Visiting College Student

Allegedly Shot Victim During Fight that Followed Earlier Confrontation;
Defendant’s Brother and Co-defendant Was Arrested in Texas in 2019

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man who was a fugitive from justice since 2017 has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder after getting arrested in Albany, NY. The defendant is charged – along with his brother – with allegedly shooting 20-year-old Justin Hackley to death in when he tried to stop a fight the defendants initiated with his friend.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This case involved the tragic death of an innocent young man with a promising future who was senselessly killed on a Brooklyn street. His relatives have been waiting for justice as his alleged killers spent years trying to evade capture. We are determined to now hold them responsible for the deadly gun violence they allegedly perpetrated. As shootings in Brooklyn reach record lows, my office will continue to ensure accountability and justice in every case.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dean Boland, 35, of Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on February 3, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The defendant was arrested this morning in Albany by U.S. Marshals.

The defendant’s brother and co-defendant, Rasheed Boland, 32, was arrested in Texas in 2019 after living there under an assumed name. His case is pending. Both defendants were indicted in 2017, approximately two months after the homicide.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 11, 2017, Rasheed Boland was hitting on a woman, sparking a fight with her boyfriend, with a friend of the boyfriend intervening to stop it. Rasheed Boland allegedly went home, got his brother and the two of them returned to the area, each of them armed with a gun, and they started to look for the men they had fought.

At about 11:35 p.m., Hackley – who was visiting home while on a break from summer school at Delaware State University – stepped out of an Ocean Avenue building near Church Avenue, with his friend, who was the person who intervened in the earlier fight. The two brothers then allegedly crossed the street and started to pistol whip the friend. Hackley started to struggle with Rasheed Boland and was shot twice, according to the evidence. Dean Boland was disarmed by the victim’s friend and another man. Both defendants fled.

The victim was pronounced dead from gunshots at Kings County Hospital Center. Surveillance videos and DNA evidence connected the defendants to the crime, and their photos were distributed to the media. They were also featured on a number of TV shows as part of the efforts to capture them.

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

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison
for Fatally Shooting 15-Year-Old Near NYCHA Playground

Defendant Fired into a Crowd of People at the Bushwick Houses

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a 15-year-old boy at the Bushwick Houses in 2018. A 43-year-old man was also wounded by the defendant when he opened fire on a playground and into a crowded courtyard where children were present.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a despicable act of gun violence that took the life of an innocent teenage boy and left an entire family and community traumatized. Senseless shootings like this tear at the fabric of our neighborhoods, leaving lasting pain and fear. Everyone deserves to feel secure in their community, and we will continue to hold accountable those who threaten innocent lives with such brazen and callous violence.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Elijah Harris, 25, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, 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 assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on October 3, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 17, 2018, at approximately 2:40 p.m., the defendant was riding a bike on the sidewalk, near 370 and 390 Bushwick Avenue, when he took out a handgun. The defendant then fired at least nine times on a playground and into a courtyard of the Bushwick Houses where a crowd of over 15 people were gathered, including children. The defendant’s gunfire struck Kyon Jackson, 15, in the chest; another shot struck a 43-year-old man in the cheek.

Jackson, a ninth grader at Lyons Community School, was rushed to Woodhull Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested shortly thereafter by police and the handgun was recovered.

The District Attorney thanked Intelligence Analyst Lakeisha Taylor for her assistance on the case.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Man Arraigned for Fatally Torching Woman Sleeping Inside Subway Car

Used Shirt to Fan Flames; Caught on Video Surveillance

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a homeless man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with first-degree murder and related counts for allegedly setting a woman, identified as Debrina Kawam, on fire as she slept inside a subway car in Coney Island, Brooklyn, then fanning the flames with a shirt and watching her die.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is difficult to fathom what could lead someone to commit the atrocious and horrific murder with which this defendant is charged. My office swiftly obtained an indictment, and we are determined to exact the most severe punishment for this heinous and inhumane act. Ms. Kawam and her loved ones deserve a measure of justice and New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in the subways.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who resided in an East New York shelter. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder and first-degree arson. The defendant was held without bail and ordered to return to court on March 12, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 22, 2024, at about 7:25 a.m., the victim was sleeping inside an F train that had reached its terminus at the Stillwell Avenue Station in Coney Island. Video surveillance showed the defendant, who rode the same car as the victim from Queens, use what appears to be a lighter to set fire to fabric that covered the sleeping woman.

The evidence further shows the defendant first watched from inside the car as the fire grew then used what looks like a shirt to fan it until the victim became engulfed in flames. He was then seen watching the blaze from a bench on the platform before walking away.

Police quickly identified the defendant and distributed his image to the media. Police received a tip that he was aboard an F train near the Herald Square-34th Street Station, and he was apprehended a little before 4 p.m. the same day.

The victim was declared dead at the scene and the medical examiner determined the cause of death to be a combination of heat burns and smoke inhalation. She was burned beyond recognition and was identified as Ms. Kawam, originally of Toms River, New Jersey, nine days after the incident.

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

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 6, 2025

Fugitive Indicted for Murder of 18-Year-Old in Canarsie

Extradited from Trinidad and Tobago to Face Prosecution 

 Defendant Allegedly Ambushed the Victim and Shot Him in His Vehicle

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a fugitive who fled to Trinidad and Tobago after allegedly shooting a teenager in Canarsie in 2021 has been returned to Brooklyn to faces charges in his death. Murder charges are also pending against the defendant’s girlfriend, who was arrested in 2022.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The brutal ambush and murder of 18-year-old Sharif Richards in Canarsie was a heinous act of violence that shattered a young life and devastated a family. By extraditing the alleged perpetrator from Trinidad and Tobago, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that this kind of callous disregard for human life is met with the full force of justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Anthony Regis-Ash, 24, formerly of Brooklyn. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on an indictment in which he is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted robbery, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on February 7, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

A co-defendant, Amari Harvey, 24, of Brooklyn, was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport on January 5, 2022, as she tried to board a flight to Trinidad and Tobago. She is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and first-degree attempted robbery and is being held on $1million cash bail or $2 million bond.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on September 29, 2021, in the vicinity of Foster Avenue and East 80th Street, in Canarsie, Brooklyn, at approximately 10:40 p.m., NYPD officers responded to 911 calls of a man shot and found the victim, Sharif Richards, next to his crashed motor vehicle with a gunshot wound to his chest. He subsequently died of the gunshot wound.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, police conducted an extensive video canvass of cameras in the area to track the victim’s movements before the shooting, which led to the discovery of the defendant’s 2015 Nissan on East 78th Street between Farragut Road and Glenwood Road, with a man and a woman in the vehicle. The woman exits the vehicle and walks down the block and allegedly meets up with Richards, who is in his 2007 Infiniti.

The video also allegedly shows the woman, later determined to be co-defendant Amari Harvey, gets into the vehicle and a minute later the defendant, wearing a hoodie and a mask, is seen leaning into Richards vehicle in an alleged attempt to rob him. He allegedly then shoots Richards in the chest and Richards drives off and crashes a few blocks away. The woman exits the vehicle and leaves the scene with the defendant.

As part of the investigation, phone records and text messages were reviewed and revealed prior communications between Richards and the woman, as well as Richards and the defendant.

The District Attorney thanked our law enforcement partners who made this international fugitive apprehension possible, including the New York City Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of Justice, the State Department, and the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Joseph Mancino and Michael Diamond, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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