About Gary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Westchester Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for
Allegedly Pushing Stranger onto Subway Tracks

Defendant Approached Victim from Behind and Shoved Him

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Westchester man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault, and other charges for allegedly shoving a stranger onto the subway tracks at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays station in Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a terrifying attack that is the nightmare of every New Yorker who uses the subway. Luckily, the victim was able to lift himself from the tracks moments before a subway train entered the station. We will now seek to hold this defendant accountable for his alleged, horrifying actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Andrew Pashinin, 19, of Harrison, New York. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Herbert Moses on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, first- and second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, third-degree menacing, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The defendant was ordered held without bail pending a psychiatric examination and to return to court on April 2, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 7, 2024, at approximately 11:35 a.m., on the south bound D train platform of the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays station the defendant allegedly pulled out a knife and walked behind a 33-year-old man standing on the platform. He then put the knife away, pulled out a camera and began recording the man.

The defendant and the man got into a verbal dispute and the man walked away from the defendant, who then followed the man and allegedly shoved him from behind onto the subway tracks. The victim was able to get himself off the tracks and onto the platform seconds before a train entered the station. He sustained pain and bruising.

The defendant fled the scene and was arrested on January 21, 2025, after police identified him from a wanted flyer.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ashley Infante, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

#

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Manhattan Man Sentenced to 19 Years to Life in Prison for
Shooting and Killing Teenager at Baby Shower in Queens

Defendant Fired Five Shots at SUV Carrying 19-year-old Victim

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Manhattan man has been sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a young man outside a baby shower. The defendant opened fire on a BMW driven by his intended target, and instead struck the victim, who was in the passenger seat. The investigation began in Brooklyn after the victim was dropped off at a Brooklyn hospital.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was an appalling act of gun violence that turned a celebration of new life into senseless tragedy. We have zero tolerance for shootings in our communities, and today’s sentence sends a message that those who commit this type of violence will face serious consequences. My condolences go out to the family of Reon Cambridge for their tremendous loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Tajai Holman, 27, of Manhattan. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo to 19 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder on December 17, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on March 6, 2021, at approximately 9:50 p.m., the defendant arrived at a baby shower on Weirfield Street in Ridgewood, Queens. The defendant was carrying a loaded 9-millimeter Luger pistol. At some point, the defendant became upset with another guest. When the guest left the event, at approximately 12:53 a.m., the defendant ran after their 2018 BMW X6 M and fired five times at the rear of the vehicle. None of the shots struck the BMW, which was carrying 19-year-old Reon Cambridge in the passenger seat.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, approximately an hour later, at 1:52 a.m., the guest drove back to the baby shower with Cambridge again in the passenger seat. The defendant stepped in front of the vehicle and fired five more times. Cambridge was struck once in the forehead. He was dropped off at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he died.

The defendant was arrested on May 19, 2021, following an investigation by the 67th Precinct.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators, the Digital Evidence Lab, and the Bureau of Litigation Technology for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrea Orlando, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Amanda Schaefer, also of the Red Zone, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Chow Yun Xie, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years to Life in Prison for
Unprovoked Fatal Stabbing of Innocent Activist

Victim Ryan Carson Was Waiting for Bus; Entire Incident Captured on Surveillance Video

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 20-year-old Brooklyn man was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the random and unprovoked murder of Ryan Carson, a social justice activist who was stabbed to death in Bedford Stuyvesant in 2023. The entire incident was clearly captured by a surveillance camera.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With today’s sentence, justice has been served – but that will not bring back Ryan Carson or all the benefits he would have brought to our communities if his life wasn’t cut short by this defendant. The tragic murder of this promising and passionate activist was beyond abhorrent and senseless, necessitating the lengthy prison term imposed in this case. We will continue to vigorously prosecute all acts of violence in Brooklyn and obtain accountability on behalf of victims and their loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Brian Dowling, 20, of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 20 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun, following his guilty plea to second-degree murder last month.

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 Ryan Carson, 32, 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.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Brooklyn Doctor Sentenced to up to Six Years in Prison
In Connection with Sexual Abuse of Female Patient

Victim was Abused by Defendant During Appointment for Sinus Infection

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn doctor who sexually abused a patient at a clinic in Carroll Gardens and later illegally obtained her records was sentenced to up to six years in prison. He was convicted earlier this year following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant used his power and stature as a doctor to victimize a vulnerable woman, which is an unconscionable betrayal. I hope today’s sentence brings some closure to the victim and her family and I remain steadfast in my commitment to protect victims of sex crimes.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jamil Ibrahim, 56, of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu to two to six years in prison. The defendant was convicted on January 21, 2025 of third-degree sexual abuse, third-degree burglary and computer trespass.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on March 18, 2018, the victim, a 47-year-old woman, went to the Pro Health clinic at 330 Court Street in Carroll Gardens for treatment of a sinus infection. The defendant was her doctor. As he was touching her throat, he pressed his erect penis against her inner knee/thigh area. She moved her legs further apart so he wouldn’t come into contact with her, and he pressed himself against her again, according to the evidence. This happened approximately four to five times.

After the checkup, the victim texted her friend about what happened and asked to speak to the defendant’s supervisor but was told no supervisors were available. She went home and called the police and officers came to her home. The defendant was arrested on April 22, 2018. He was later suspended from Pro Health and his access to all Pro Health clinics and computer records was terminated. However, on June 16, 2018, the defendant walked into the Pro Health clinic on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst and obtained copies of the victim’s records.

Furthermore, two additional women who filed complaints with the New York State Department of Health alleging sexual abuse by the defendant testified at trial.

One victim, a 39-year-old woman, testified that she went to see the defendant for a bladder and sinus infection on January 9, 2014, at an Urgent Care. She testified that the defendant allegedly put a stethoscope on her back under her clothing and put his other hand on her breasts over her clothing and held it there for several seconds. The victim testified that she became alarmed and after the appointment told her husband and then reported the defendant to the Department of Health. She did not report the alleged incident to the police and the statute of limitations prohibits charges from being filed at this time.

The other alleged victim, who was 23 years old at the time, testified that she went to see the defendant at a City MD on March 23, 2014, after falling against a wooden bench and bruising her leg. She testified that when the defendant learned the woman was from Las Vegas he allegedly asked her if she was a stripper while caressing her upper thigh, which was not where she was bruised. The patient testified that she was shocked and reported the defendant to the front desk before she left. Her complaint was referred to the Department of Health.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal Supervisor Jennifer Hernandez of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau for her assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes and Senior Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Jacobi of the Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Olatokunbo Olaniyan, First Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Long Island Man Arraigned on Indictment Charging Him
With Stealing $2 Million House in Fort Greene

Alleged Theft Marks the Second Time Property was Targeted, Title Stolen

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Nassau County man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with filing a deed purporting to be the rightful owner of a three-family house, valued at over $2 million, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Real estate fraud is a serious threat to homeowners, and in Brooklyn, we will not tolerate scammers who try to steal property through deception. This alleged scheme was uncovered thanks to the rightful owner’s vigilance, and we will now seek to hold the defendant accountable. Our Real Estate Fraud Unit is dedicated to protecting property owners, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who undermine the security of homeowners and the integrity of property ownership.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Danny Noble, 55, of Baldwin, New York.
He was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with first-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. He was ordered held on $300,000 cash bail or $2.5 million bond, and to return to court on April 23, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, between September 1, 2023 and September 15, 2023, the defendant falsely transferred the title to 71 Carlton Avenue, a three-story house in Fort Greene valued at approximately $2,170,000.

The defendant allegedly filed a deed, recorded on September 15, 2023, in which he purported to be the rightful owner of 71 Carlton Avenue. He then allegedly initiated a quiet title action in Brooklyn Supreme Court, seeking a judicial order declaring him the rightful owner of the property. The actual owner, 71 Carlton LLC, learned of the fraudulent deed and contacted the Brooklyn DA’s Action Center in December 2024.

The property’s title was also illegally transferred in 2010.

As part of the 2023 scheme, it is alleged, the defendant filed false documents with the New York City Department of Finance, Office of the City Register, which maintains land records and other real property filings in New York City, including records relating to ownership and encumbrances, such as liens and mortgages.

The District Attorney offered the following tips to homeowners to protect themselves:

• Make sure the NYC Dept. of Finance has the correct address to receive property notices.
• Designate a trusted family member or friend to receive notices if you are unable.
• Register with the NYC Department of Finance to receive automatic notifications regarding any changes to your deed or property records.
• Never sign any contract you do not understand.
• For more information visit http://brooklynda.org/deedfraud/

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators and Investigations Division
Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Richard Farrell, Chief of the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

#

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 14, 2025

Man Arraigned for Murder and Arson in Connection With
2012 Cold Case Homicide of Trans Performer

Victim was Killed Before Her Apartment Was Set on Fire;
Defendant Connected to Crime through Phone Records and Surveillance Images

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned for the 2012 murder of a trans performer known as Lorena Escalera, who was found dead in her bed after her Bushwick building burned down. The defendant was indicted based on evidence that included surveillance images, phone records and other forensic evidence.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Ms. Escalera came to Brooklyn to pursue her dreams of becoming a performer, but her life was brutally snuffed out instead when she was only 25. The quest for justice lasted over a decade but today we are able to charge her alleged killer who we’ll now seek to hold fully responsible for this killing and the arson that put many other lives at risk. I hope that Ms. Escalera’s loved ones and friends will find a measure of solace knowing that this tragic murder has now been solved. In Brooklyn, we protect everyone, no matter who they are, who they love or where they came from.”

NYPD Commissioner Tisch said: “Let this indictment send a clear message to those living in fear for who they are: public safety does not discriminate, and every New Yorker deserves to feel safe at home. The horrific murder of Lorena Escalera, a beloved trans performer, devastated her Brooklyn neighbors and chosen LGBTQIA+ family, who continue to face the ongoing threat of hatred and violence. I commend the NYPD investigators and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office for their tireless efforts to bringing this heinous criminal one step closer to justice and offering a modicum of solace to Ms. Escalera’s family, friends, and loved ones within the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Henry Pacheco, 44, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Gershuny on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second- and third-degree arson and petit larceny. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on February 19, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

The District Attorney said that the victim was 25-year-old Lorelise Escalera Ferrer, who was known as Lorena Escalera or by her stage name Lorena Xtravaganza. According to the investigation, in the very early hours of May 12, 2012, she received multiple calls from the defendant.

Shortly after the last call, a few minutes past 2:20 a.m., surveillance video captured the defendant enter her building, 47 Furman Avenue in Bushwick, where she resided on the third floor. He was seen leaving the building over an hour later and minutes after that, a surveillance camera captured what appears to be smoke coming from the third-floor apartment. By 4 a.m., the building was consumed by heavy smoke and fire. Other residents were able to escape the blaze, but the victim was found lifeless on her bed. She was declared dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner determined she was killed before the fire started and died of “homicidal violence of undetermined type.” The Fire Marshal concluded the fire started in the bed where she was discovered and that the fire was not natural nor accidental. A review of the victim’s phone records revealed that it received calls after she had been declared dead – and some calls were answered. Specifically, one of the answered calls came from an individual who knew the defendant and not the victim. Finally, the defendant confirmed last year that he is the person in the surveillance images from that early morning.

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

#

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

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.

#

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

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.

#

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.

#

 

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.

#

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