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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Brooklyn Landlord Indicted on Attempted Murder and Arson Charges

For Allegedly Setting Fire to Rental Property With 8 People Inside

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Monday, December 18, 2023

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

Stole Over $94,000 Just Weeks Before Passover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Williamsburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Following Conviction for Violent Assault of Modell’s Employees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Brooklyn Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Brooklyn Lawyer Indicted for Allegedly Stealing

Nearly $1.5 Million from Three Clients

Allegedly Kept Home Sale Proceeds and Estate Funds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Long Island Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking of Teenage Girl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, December 8, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for

Execution Style Murder in Crown Heights

Shot Victim in the Head; Evidence Included Video Surveillance

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally gunning down another man in Crown Heights.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant in this case coldly executed another man by shooting him in the head. After a robust investigation and a thorough prosecution, he has now been held accountable for this crime. Acts of gun violence in Brooklyn will always lead to severe consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rennie Patterson, 22, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to 25 years to life in prison following his conviction in September 2023 of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 16, 2017, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the defendant shot and killed John Barnes, 32, in front of 1339 Saint John’s Place. Video surveillance captured the defendant leaving a building next door to his residence, about 10 blocks away, along with a friend, and tracked them walking to the scene.

Seconds after confronting the victim, who the two spotted driving in his car, the defendant pulled out a gun and fired two shots, striking the victim twice in the head. The defendant and his friend immediately fled and were seen running back into their respective homes. The evidence showed that the friend and the victim got into a physical fight and had to be separated a few days before the incident.

The defendant was arrested on July 11, 2018.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jhounelle Cunningham, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Grand Larceny
For Stealing Approximately $157,000 in Section 8 Subsidies

Defendant Allegedly Used Another Person’s Social Security Number to Conceal Income,
Employment from NYCHA While Collecting Rent Assistance for Crown Heights Home

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been indicted for grand larceny for allegedly obtaining more than $157,000 in Section 8 rent subsidies to which she was not entitled. As part of the alleged decade-long fraud, the defendant used another person’s Social Security number to conceal her employment and income from the New York City Housing Authority while collecting rent assistance vouchers for a two-bedroom apartment in Crown Heights.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “For over a decade – and at a time when affordable housing in Brooklyn is increasingly scarce – this defendant allegedly lied about her income and employment to obtain thousands of dollars annually in rent subsidies to which she was not entitled. In doing so, she stole precious resources intended to help low-income New Yorkers find housing, and we will now seek to hold her accountable for that. I want to thank DOI and the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General for their assistance in this case.”

Commissioner Strauber said, “For over a decade, this defendant made false statements about her employment and income to NYCHA in order to obtain more than $155,000 in Section 8 benefits she was not entitled to and provided NYCHA with someone else’s Social Security number to avoid detection, according to the charges. Theft of housing benefits diverts these important public resources from New Yorkers who are in need, and who qualify for them.  I thank NYCHA and the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Social Security Administration for their assistance in this investigation; and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for its partnership in protecting New York City’s affordable housing.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Luzmila Corbin, 56, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo on an indictment in which she is charged with first-degree identity theft, second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and 17 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on February 7, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant started receiving rental-assistance vouchers, known as Section 8, in February 2001. The defendant used the vouchers to rent a two-bedroom apartment on Rochester Avenue in Crown Heights. From 2009 to 2021, it is alleged the defendant claimed to be unemployed in her annual Affidavit of Income submitted to the New York City Housing Authority. In reality, however, the defendant was allegedly working as a food services aide at New York City Health and Hospitals where she made $34,000 to $59,000 a year.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant allegedly used another person’s Social Security Number to prevent NYCHA from verifying her income. As a result of the fraud, in 2022, for example, the defendant paid only $212 of the apartment’s monthly rent of $1,654. The remaining balance was subsidized by NYCHA based on the defendant’s misrepresentation of her household income and assets. According to the investigation, between November 2010 and June 2022, NYCHA overpaid $157,493 in rent subsidies on the defendant’s behalf.

The case was investigated by DOI Assistant Inspector General Robert Joyce, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Gregory Deboer, Deputy Inspector General J. Graham Forbes, Executive Agency Counsel Laureen Hintz, Inspector General Ralph Iannuzzi, Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ryan and Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella.

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

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

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Friday, November 17, 2023

Homeless Man Sentenced to 14 Years to Life in Prison for

Stabbing a Skateboarder on the Williamsburg Bridge

Unprovoked Attack Left Victim in Critical Condition

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a homeless man has been sentenced to 14 years to life in prison for stabbing and severely injuring a skateboarder during an unprovoked attack on the Williamsburg Bridge.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a brutal and horrifying attack on a completely innocent man. I am committed to keeping the people of Brooklyn safe from violence. With today’s lengthy sentence, the defendant will be held accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Omar Cartagena, 46. The defendant, who was deemed a mandatory persistent violent felony offender because of previous felony convictions, was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to 14 years to life in prison. He pleaded guilty to second-degree assault on September 7, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, on October 16, 2021, at about 10 a.m., the defendant was riding a bicycle behind the 30-year-old victim as he skateboarded across the Williamsburg Bridge. According to the evidence, the defendant started to yell at the victim and demanded he get out of the way. Despite the victim moving to the other side of the bike path, the defendant continued to yell at him. The defendant then pulled up next to the victim and stabbed him once in the chest with a knife.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the victim was able to take a photo of the defendant as he rode away and a second photo of the defendant waiting for him at the end of the bridge with the knife in his hands. The victim then skateboarded to an urgent care clinic in Greenpoint where an employee called 911. The victim was transported to Elmhurst Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery — including a sternotomy — due to severe internal bleeding. He remained hospitalized for eight days.

The defendant was arrested approximately two hours after the stabbing by detectives who were canvassing the area around the Williamsburg Bridge and recognized him from the victim’s photos. The defendant had a bloody knife tucked into his waistband. DNA from the blade matched the victim.

Additionally, in the time between stabbing the 30-year-old victim on the Williamsburg Bridge and his arrest, the defendant stabbed a 34-year-old man on the Lower East Side.

The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in Manhattan in that case and received a sentence of 14 years to life in prison. The Brooklyn and Manhattan sentences will run concurrently.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sanam Shah, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hogg, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.

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