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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 9, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murdering Elderly Neighbor,
Stabbing One Woman and Attempting to Assault Another

Defendant Also Indicted for Punching Police Officer in the Face

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder for the stabbing death of an 83-year-old man. The defendant was also indicted for assault and attempted assault in connection with three other incidents.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I am heartbroken that 83-year-old Ramon Cintron died in such a violent and horrifying way and my condolences go out to his family, friends and neighbors. We will now seek to hold the defendant responsible for the murder of Mr. Cintron, as well as the other alleged attacks with which he is charged.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Joevani Vale, 27, of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree attempted assault, second-degree harassment, third-degree attempted assault and fourth-degree stalking. He is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on September 29, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 8, 2023, at approximately 12:47 p.m., a woman was walking in the vicinity of Third Avenue and Pacific Street in Brooklyn when the defendant allegedly began following her and asking if she was lost. She said she was not lost. The defendant allegedly continued to follow her, so she stopped to let him pass and he allegedly punched her in the shoulder.

Furthermore, it is alleged, that at approximately 1:25 p.m., in the vicinity of 134 Nevins Street, the defendant allegedly was walking behind a woman when he allegedly slashed her on the back of her thigh. She was treated at a local hospital.

At approximately 2:20 p.m., it is alleged, the defendant followed Ramon Cintron into an elevator at 185 Nevins Street, at the Wyckoff Gardens Housing Development, where they both resided, and took out a sharp object and allegedly stabbed the victim in the neck, torso, back and legs, approximately 30 times. When the victim tried to get out of the elevator when the doors opened, the defendant allegedly kicked the victim back into the elevator and fled.

The defendant was arrested on April 11, 2023. On April 12, 2023, at about 11:45 p.m., the defendant was in the psychiatric ward at Maimonides Medical Center and was being guarded by two New York City police officers. They escorted him to the bathroom and after he finished using the bathroom, he allegedly made a fist and punched one of the officers in the face.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegals Sarah Quashie and James Morales for their assistance on the case.

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

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Former NYPD Officer Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison
For Sexually Molesting a Child

Defendant also Convicted of Endangering the Welfare of Three Other Children

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a former New York City Police Officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a child and endangering the welfare of three other young girls.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s abhorrent abuse of young children is an outrage and marks a shocking betrayal of the trust placed in a member of law enforcement. With today’s sentence he has been brought to justice and held accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Shaun Frazier, 43, of Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child on March 13, 2023. The defendant must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant was a family friend of all four victims. The defendant joined the New York City police department in January 2015 and was suspended in 2019 following his first arrest. He resigned in November 2020. Prior to joining the NYPD, the defendant worked as a court officer for 10 years.

In one incident, on September 19, 2019, according to the investigation, the defendant exposed himself to a 10-year-old girl and masturbated in front of her.

In another incident, between March 20, 2018 and June 15, 2018, according to the investigation, the defendant repeatedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of two girls, ages 12 and 13.

Finally, in April 2017, according to the investigation, the defendant forced an 11-year-old girl to perform a sex act.

The investigation began after the children reported the incidents to their parents.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Staten Island Man Pleads Guilty to Anti-Jewish Assault

Punched Victim for Wearing IDF Hoodie; Will Be Sentenced to Jail and Probation

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Staten Island Man pleaded guilty to attempted assault as a hate crime for punching a Jewish man who was wearing a hoodie with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) emblem. The defendant was promised a sentence of 60 days in jail and three years’ probation in exchange for his guilty plea.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn’s diversity is our strength and we do not tolerate violence that’s motivated by bias against any religious or national identity. The hateful and unprovoked assault this defendant admitted to today left one victim hurt, but also shook an entire community. His conviction, jailtime and probation should send a message that this kind of intolerance has serious consequences.”

Scott Richman, Anti-Defamation League Regional Director for New York and New Jersey, said, “We are grateful to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for securing a hate crime conviction in this case, sending a clear message that those who commit acts of hate-fueled violence, including based on a victim’s perceived associations, will be held accountable. ADL has documented how the Brooklyn Jewish community has been burdened with an outsized number of violent antisemitic incidents, and both law enforcement and the courts play a key role in responding and supporting communities in the wake of these attacks.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Suleiman Othman, 28, of Staten Island, NY. He pleaded guilty today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to attempted third-degree assault as a hate crime in exchange for a promised sentence of 60 days in jail followed by three years’ probation. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 26, 2021, the victim, a 21-year-old Jewish man, was standing outside a Foot Locker on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, wearing a green hoodie with a yellow IDF emblem. The defendant approached him in the street and stated: “Why do you support those dirty Jews? What are you doing in my neighborhood? You mess with the killers. If you don’t take off your hoodie, I’m going to punch you.”

When the victim refused, the defendant punched him twice in the face and threw a cup of iced coffee on him. He was treated at the scene for a laceration and swelling to the face. The defendant fled and was identified after being captured on multiple surveillance cameras. He turned himself in to police on January 11, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sharmalee Brooks-Gordon, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Ari Farkas, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Manslaughter for Allegedly Running Red Light,

Causing Car Crash That Left Two People Dead and Five Injured

Defendant was Allegedly Speeding and Ran Multiple Red Lights in Bensonhurst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

 

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

Victim’s Body Was Never Found

Defendant Stole Her Social Security Benefits After the Murder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Thirty-Two Alleged Members of Brooklyn-Based Gangs Variously Charged With 140 Counts, Including Conspiracy to Commit Murder

12 Shootings, with 13 Victims, Including One Fatality and Three Innocent Bystanders;

Violence Allegedly Driven by 8 Trey Member Michael Williams, a.k.a. Rapper Sheff G;

Rapper Tegan Chambers, a.k.a., Sleepy Hallow, Also Charged as Co-Conspirator

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, today announced that 32 alleged members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang, are named in a 140-count indictment for allegedly committing shootings, possessing guns, and using stolen cars during shootings, to eliminate rivals that included members of Folk Nation Gangster Disciples and ICG Babiiez.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I’m confident that today’s successful takedown will have a positive impact on public safety across several Brooklyn communities as we enter the summer months. The senseless gun violence, allegedly committed by these defendants, terrorized our neighbors for years and left more than a dozen people with serious injuries. It is distressing to know that some of the violence was allegedly fueled by a young man who used money he made from a successful music career to allegedly pay for and encourage acts of violence. Together with the NYPD, my office will continue to target the most violent individuals and to build strong cases against them, as we have in this case.”

Mayor Adams said, “Since day one, our administration has been focused on reducing gun violence and taking aggressive action to address violent gang activity throughout the city. The actions of these 32 people put the lives of New Yorkers in danger — carrying out murder, assault, gun possession, and using stolen cars during shootings. These indictments should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and if you commit acts of violence in New York City you will be held accountable.”

Commissioner Sewell said, “For more than two years, NYPD investigators have been working closely with the Brooklyn District Attorney to do what they do better than anyone: keep the people and the communities we serve safe. The gang members indicted today may have thought they could traffic in violence, intimidation, and fear with impunity – but they were wrong. Together with our law enforcement partners, the NYPD is tackling violent crime and violent criminals head-on, and this case is just the latest example of our shared commitment to the public safety of all New Yorkers.”

The defendants are being arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 140-count indictment in which they are variously charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree assault, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree gang assault, first-degree attempted gang assault, second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, and related charges.

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 shootings and gun possession incidents allegedly committed by members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliates, the 9 Ways gang, primarily in the 67^th and 71^st Precincts. The investigation focused on the 8 Trey Crips based out of Flatbush (Caton 8 Trey Crips), East Flatbush (40s 8 Trey Crips) and Canarsie (80z Flossy 8 Trey Crips). The territory of the 9 Ways gang runs from East New York Avenue to Church Avenue and from Remsen Avenue to East 98^th Street in East Flatbush.

During the conspiracy period – from March 2019 to the present – the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs allegedly possessed guns, committed shootings, and stole cars for use in the shootings, all in furtherance of their goals to maintain geographic control and dominance over their territories, enhance the reputation of the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs, and eliminate rival members of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples and ICG Babiiez.

During the conspiracy period covered in the indictments, there were 27 incidents of violence and criminal activity, including 12 shootings with 13 victims, including one fatality. Three shooting victims were innocent bystanders. Approximately 37 different firearms were used or possessed by the defendants and 19 firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation.

It is alleged that many of the acts of violence were captured on surveillance videos. Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendants boasted about their criminal activities on social media and in text messages, discussing acts of violence and taking credit for shootings and an assault.

The most egregious incident charged in the indictment is a mass shooting on Hawthorne Street in Folk Nation territory on October 21, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m. It is alleged that defendant Kamondre Dekattu is captured on surveillance video emerging from the sunroof of a white Infiniti and opening fire while other individuals fired guns from the driver’s side and rear driver’s side windows. An alleged Folk Nation rival, Theodore Senior, 23, was killed and five other alleged Folk Nation members were shot and injured. Dekattu is charged with the murder and his co-conspirators, including Michael Williams and his sister, Crystal Williams, are charged with being part of the conspiracy to commit murder, for this incident and others.

In particular, approximately an hour after that mass shooting, Michael Williams allegedly sent a text message seeking confirmation that the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways had scored against rivals. In separate messages to his sister, Crystal Williams, Michael Williams sent pictures of the victim and a news article about the incident and shootings that preceded it that day.

Two days after the homicide, it is alleged that Michael Williams hosted a lavish dinner with his fellow 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways members, including Tegan Chambers, at a Manhattan steakhouse to celebrate the death of Theodore Senior and the injuries of the five other shooting victims.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Williams, who rented a large house in Short Hills, New Jersey during the conspiracy period, used the earnings from his music career to fuel gun violence in Brooklyn, by offering money and giving expensive jewelry to those who commit acts of violence. Williams’ involvement went beyond merely offering money to commit acts of violence. It is alleged that in one shooting incident Williams coordinated a group of three shooters, drove those shooters to the crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.

Other significant incidents that are charged as part of the conspiracies include:

On April 5, 2021, it is alleged, members of the ICG Babiiez gang shot at Williams’ mansion in Short Hills, where he and his closest 8 Trey allies lived. Over the next several months, Williams and some of the other defendants allegedly embarked on a campaign to seek revenge against the rival Babiiez gang and an 8 Trey member who they believed betrayed Williams by giving the rivals his address in New Jersey.

On April 6, 2021, it is alleged, video surveillance captured a black Jeep Trackhawk, which is registered to Michael Williams, driving on Caton Avenue toward East 18^th Street, and eventually parking on St. Paul’s Street. Defendants Olivel Martinez, Tony Darden and Kenrick Austrie exited the vehicle, walked to Caton Avenue and East 18^th Street and allegedly opened fire in the direction of a rival, and struck two innocent bystanders, a 53-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman. They allegedly fled the location and entered the Trackhawk, where Williams was the alleged getaway driver. The following day, Darden allegedly shared a news article about the shooting in a group text message between himself, Williams, Martinez and Austrie.

On June 20, 2021, into the early morning hours of the following day, it is alleged, defendants Donald Audouin, Joseph Crick-Best, Victor Davis, Najma James, Ricardo Johnson, Marcov Joseph, Imani Maxwell, Celaya Phillip, Shatike Robinson and Tailynn Williamson, conducted a coordinated and violent attack, using a caravan of three cars, on the fellow 8 Trey member who they believed betrayed Michael Williams. The group located the individual at Flatbush Avenue and Albemarle Road, where they allegedly took turns punching and kicking him, then shoved him into a car and all 10 defendants drove to the vicinity of Holy Cross Cemetery, where they dragged the victim out of the car and continued to beat, kick and stomp him. The assault was ultimately interrupted by police responding to 911 calls reporting the beating.

This investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department Sergeant Joseph Calabrese and Detective Christopher Kelley of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, under the supervision of Sergeant David Zayas, Sergeant Calvin Fergus, Lieutenant Salvatore Sciove, Captain Ryan Gillis, all of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, and Deputy Chief Jason Savino, the Commanding Officer of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, along with the Detective Squads of the 67^th, 70^th, 71^st, and 73^rd Precincts and the Brooklyn South Homicide Squad, all under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives James W. Essig.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Edward Kerins and Roman Galper, and Assistant District Attorney Amel Spahija, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Gillian DiPietro and Kathryn Spota, VCE Deputy Bureau Chiefs, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cilia, VCE First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred DeIngeniis, VCE Bureau Chief.

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

Exhibits shown at the press conference are available here

DEFENDANT ADDENDUM: 

1. Donald Audouin, 31
2. Kenrick Austrie, 23
3. Alex Brown, 21
4. Jaquan Brown, 21
5. Shamar Brown, 24
6. Tegan Chambers, 23
7. Jovanie Chouloutte, 22
8. Joseph Crick-Best, 40
9. Tony Darden, 19
10. Victor Davis, 21
11. Kamondre Dekattu, 22
12. Nicholas Heaven, 25
13. Shariff Hill, 25
14. Shomari Hudson, 21
15. Najma James, 27
16. Ricardo Johnson, 26
17. Marcov Joseph, 22
18. Dean Jean Louis, 25
19. Olivel Martinez, 23
20. Imani Maxwell, 26
21. Robert Muschett, 21
22. Celaya Phillip, 23
23. Shatike Robinson, 23
24. Jaheim Samuels, 21
25. Quran Thomas, 24
26. Tremain Weekes, 25
27. Garron Whyte, 20
28. Akeem Williams, 22
29. Crystal Williams, 22
30. Michael Williams, 24
31. Tailynn Williamson, 22
32. Marc Wright, 21

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 15, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison Following Guilty Plea to Attempted Murder and Criminal Sexual Act

Defendant Broke into Marine Park House with Two Co-Defendants, Stabbed
Retired Police Lieutenant and Sexually Assaulted his Wife

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for breaking into a home in Marine Park in 2018 with two other people, duct taping the elderly residents and assaulting them.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant violated the sanctity of this couple’s home and subjected them to unconscionable violence. With today’s lengthy sentence, he has now been brought to justice and the victims will be spared the anguish of a trial.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Tyrique Rushing, 25, of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 18 years in prison and 15 years of post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal sexual act and first-degree burglary on April 24, 2023. He must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

His co-defendants, Lance Jyrkenin, 25, and Shirnel Sobers, 30, previously pleaded guilty. Jyrkenin pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary on December 11, 2019 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Sobers pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary on September 12, 2022 and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on September 24, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendants Jyrkenin and Sobers broke into the Marine Park home of a 72-year-old retired police lieutenant and his 71-year-old wife and stole cash and the victims’ Honda Civic. The vehicle was later found abandoned in lower Manhattan.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, on a second date, on October 8, 2018, at approximately 4 a.m., the defendants Jyrkenin and Sobers, along with defendant Rushing broke into the same home and tied up both victims, who were in separate bedrooms, using duct tape. Rushing forced the woman to perform a sex act and her husband was slashed on his head and face.

The defendants stole cash, a set of speakers, a Bank of America card and the Honda Civic.

The 72-year-old victim was treated for lacerations to his head and face and received 40 stitches. His wife was treated for bruising on her hands and wrists from the duct tape and underwent a sexual assault evidence collection kit.

Jyrkinen and Sobers were arrested on October 8, 2018, at approximately 10 p.m., outside of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel inside of the victims’ Honda Civic. Rushing was arrested in Joplin, Missouri on October 18, 2018.

The District Attorney thanked Special Victims Bureau Paralegal Lucia Battaglia and DNA Specialist Susan Horan of the KCDA Forensic Science Unit for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Deborah Cohen, Counsel to the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Ebonie Legrand, Deputy Chief of the SVB, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Jacobi, also of the SVB, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison

For Killing Brooklyn Rapper

Defendant Fatally Shot Victim in Chest After Dispute Over Stolen Cellphone

           Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a 30-year-old Brooklyn rapper after a dispute over a stolen cellphone in 2017.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a tragic and senseless shooting of a man who had his life and budding musical career tragically cut short. Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars, and today’s sentence sends a strong message that gun violence in our neighborhoods will be met with serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as James Oliver, 44, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 15 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on April 26, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 2, 2017, at approximately 10 p.m., inside the lobby of a building at 80 East 92nd Street, in East Flatbush, the defendant and victim, Darnell Pettway, 30, were drinking and gambling with a group of men. The defendant got into a fight with another individual over a stolen cellphone and became enraged when Pettway did not intervene on his behalf. According to the evidence, the defendant then left the location and went to his apartment at 87 East 93rd Street where he was recorded by video surveillance putting a gun into his waistband. The defendant then went back to 80 East 92nd where he shot Pettway several times in the chest.

Pettway, a rapper who performed under the stage “Mook Mula,” was taken to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant fled to Pennsylvania. He was arrested on Jan. 1, 2019, in Upper Saucon Township, after being arrested for an unrelated incident.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal Amanda Connolly and Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Austin Fedchock for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Midey 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

Monday, May 8, 2023

U-Haul Driver Indicted for Murder and Attempted Murder for Allegedly Intentionally Driving a Truck into Multiple Victims, Killing One Man and Injuring Others in Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Sunset Park

Defendant’s Alleged Rampage Ended When he was Boxed in by Police in Red Hook

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a former Las Vegas, Nevada resident has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder, attempted murder and assault for driving a U-Haul truck into 10 civilians, killing one, and for injuring two police officers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a terrifying incident in which we allege that an innocent pedestrian and numerous cyclists were intentionally targeted and mowed down by this defendant, including a father of three who did not survive his injuries. We will now seek to bring the defendant to justice and to keep the streets of Brooklyn safe.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Weng Sor, 62, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 25-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault and first-degree attempted assault. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on May 31, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 13, 2023, between 10:20 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., at multiple locations, beginning at 55th Street and 4th Avenue in Sunset Park and concluding at 72nd Street and 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, according to witnesses and surveillance footage, the defendant was driving a U-Haul truck and struck numerous e-bike riders and a bicyclist and endangered pedestrians, motorists and people waiting to cross the street.

In addition, it is alleged, the defendant drove up on to the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian. During the course of the alleged rampage, he allegedly drove toward a police officer who was then struck and injured by an e-bike being dragged by the truck.

The defendant, who was being pursued by police, drove from Bay Ridge on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Red Hook where he was boxed in and apprehended by police, at which time a police officer was struck by the vehicle and injured.

A civilian, YiJie Ye, a 44-year-old father of three, who was riding an e-bike and working for a food delivery service, died of head injuries after being struck in the vicinity of Bay Ridge Parkway and Fifth Avenue.

The other individuals that were struck suffered a variety of injuries including multiple rib fractures, a pelvic fracture, broken legs, injury to the head, ankle, and knee. Additionally, several of the victims required surgery as a result of their injuries.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal James Morales and KCDA Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Lexie Giardina for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Alicia Trujillo 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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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 5, 2023

 

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Murder of Former Girlfriend and Attempted Murder of Her Mother

Victim Was Shot Five Times as She Walked Near Her Home with Her Mother and Friend

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for shooting to death his former girlfriend, with whom he shared two children.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s calculated, cold-blooded murder cut short Sade Sanchez’s life and robbed her family and friends of a beloved mother, daughter, and friend. With today’s substantial prison sentence, this defendant will no longer be a threat to anyone else in our community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gabriel Rivera, 30, of Ridgewood, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree attempted assault, and first-degree stalking on March 29, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on approximately September 1, 2018, Sade Sanchez, 24, ended a nine-year relationship with the defendant, with whom she shared two children. Thereafter, he called and texted her repeatedly and showed up outside of her Bushwick home stalking her.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, on October 6, 2018, the defendant showed up outside of the victim’s home, located on Menahan Street, and saw a 21-year-old male friend of the victim hanging out in front of the house. The defendant punched the man three times in the head and told him that no one could be with his woman.

Finally, according to the investigation, on October 7, 2018, the victim was walking on Menahan Street with her 46-year-old mother and the same friend who was punched by the defendant a day earlier, when the defendant approached from behind a car, pulled out a firearm and shot Ms. Sanchez five times. After she fell to the ground, he continued to fire at her. He then pointed the gun in her mother’s face and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire.

The defendant fled the scene and was arrested the following day.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sabeeha Madni, First Deputy Chief of the School Advocacy and Juvenile Crimes Bureau (formerly of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau), under the supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kaminsky, Chief of the District Attorney’s Gender-Based Violence Division.

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