FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years to Life in Prison
for Fatally Stabbing His Mother and Her Dog in Starrett City
Victim was Stabbed More than 50 Times, Dog Stabbed and Thrown from Balcony
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of his mother inside their Starrett City apartment. The defendant fatally stabbed the victim more than 50 times and threw the family dog from their 11th-floor balcony.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is heartbreaking that a mother lost her life so violently at the hands of her only child. This tragedy has shattered a family and deeply affected her loved ones. My office remains steadfast in pursing justice for victims and holding those who commit such acts of domestic violence fully accountable.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Andre Eugene, 38, of Starrett City, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on September 24, 2025.
The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on January 19, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to 1500 Hornell Loop in Starrett City after receiving multiple reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Donna Hyman, 58, inside her apartment. She had been stabbed approximately 55 times in her neck, chest, arms, back, and scalp, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her small dog “Gigi” was found deceased outside the building, having been stabbed approximately 32 times and thrown from the balcony.
The investigation revealed that the defendant, who lived with the victim, fatally stabbed his mother and her dog during a violent outburst. He then threw the dog from the apartment balcony. The defendant was found shortly thereafter outside the building, naked and covered in blood, and was taken into custody.
The defendant was hospitalized for self-inflicted stab wounds and a dog bite. He was charged with his mother’s murder on January 24, 2024.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jafari, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.
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