About Edwin Pineda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 12, 2026

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 22 Years to Life in Prison for
Fatal Ambush Shooting of Innocent Teenager

Defendant Shot Victim from Behind as He Tried to Escape

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bedford-Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the shooting death of an 18-year-old boy who was lured to East New York, ambushed and shot from behind by the defendant as he tried to escape.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds Ricardo Dash accountable for the cold-blooded execution of an unarmed teenager. Shaheem Bascom was lured into a deadly trap and shot in the back while trying to escape in a cowardly act of senseless violence. This lengthy prison term ensures a dangerous individual is off our streets, and our hearts remain with Shaheem’s family and loved ones.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ricardo Dash, 25, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 22 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder on December 10, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on the evening of May 10, 2021, the victim, Shaheem Bascom, 18, was engaged in Facebook Messenger text conversations with a 16-year-old girl he knew, who lured him to meet her at a location in East New York, in the vicinity of 965 Hegeman Avenue. The 16-year-old and the defendant, along with some co-defendants, members of the 8 Trey Crips gang, then headed to that location, with a plan to beat up and rob the victim, who was affiliated with the rival Folk Nation gang.

Once they got to Hegeman Avenue, according to trial testimony, the group split up. The 16-year-old and a woman, Sarina Davis, now 29, walked toward the meeting place address, while the defendant and a co-defendant, Deshawn Holder, now 25, and another individual walked across the street from them in the same direction.

After the 16-year-old and Davis began walking with the victim, the defendant and the others began following as they walked on Hegeman Avenue, according to the evidence. When they crossed Essex Street, Holder punched the victim, who then ran. The defendant, according to the evidence, chased the victim, pointed his gun, and shot multiple times, striking him in his back. The victim later died of his injuries.

Following the murder, the defendant made multiple Facebook posts mocking the murder. He fled Brooklyn and was arrested by the NYPD and U.S. Marshals in Henry County, Georgia in December 2021, after seven months on the lam.

Deshawn Holder pleaded guilty to second-degree gang assault and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. Sarina Davis pleaded guilty in July 2025 to second-degree attempted gang assault and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of post-release supervision. The 16-year-old’s case was transferred to Family Court. Another suspect remains unapprehended.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators, the Digital Evidence Lab, and Homicide Paralegal Sarah-Jane Quashie for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Steven Bravo, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Gabriella DiCapri, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Thursday, June 11, 2026

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison
For Shooting Death of Ethan Williams

Victim was in New York City for Skateboard Tournament When he was Shot Dead in Bushwick

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for shooting an Indiana man who was sitting on a stoop in Bushwick, Brooklyn, killing him. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter earlier this year.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Ethan Williams was a bright, compassionate college student visiting our city to do what he loved when his life was stolen in an act of horrific, unprovoked gun violence. Today’s sentence holds the defendant responsible for this truly senseless killing, and my thoughts are with Ethan’s family and friends as they continue to mourn this devastating loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as William Freeman, 30, of Gravesend, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar to 18 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on March 10, 2026

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the victim, Ethan Williams, 20, an Indiana University student on his first visit to New York City, was sitting on a stoop at 42 Eldert Street, in Bushwick, with several friends with whom he was renting an AirBnB, on October 24, 2020, at approximately 2:30 a.m., when the defendant opened fire on the group. Ethan was struck in the chest and died of his wounds.

The defendant then fled the scene, according to the evidence. The defendant was arrested on November 3, 2022, in the vicinity of 480 Knickerbocker Avenue, in Bushwick, after a car in which he was a passenger was stopped by police. The defendant made statements admitting, in essence, that he shot at the victim’s group because he mistakenly thought someone in the group was responsible for his cousin’s death a few weeks prior.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Detective Robert Romano of the 83rd Precinct and NYPD Detective Sonia Yi of Brooklyn North Homicide.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry, also of the Homicide Bureau.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Brooklyn Landlord Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for
Setting Fire to Rental Property with Eight People Inside

Defendant Admitted to Setting Blaze; Had Threatened Family of Tenants Over Unpaid Rent

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn landlord has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting fire to a Cypress Hills home he owned while a family of eight, including six young children, slept inside. He had previously threatened to burn the building down over an unpaid rent dispute.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant turned a rent dispute into a life-threatening act of violence, setting fire to a home where a family, including six children, slept. These children were forced to flee the blaze and be dropped into neighbors’ arms below. The victims in this case endured an unimaginable ordeal, and today’s sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable for the trauma he inflicted on this family and his community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rafiqul Islam, 68, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Margaret Martin to 10 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree arson on April 28, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant owned 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. 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 to 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 shows the defendant walking toward 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 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 case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer DaRin, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, and 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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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Elder Parolee Sentenced to Life in Prison for
Murdering and Dismembering Brooklyn Woman

Torso and Leg were Discovered on Street Inside Plastic Bags,
Additional Body Parts Recovered from Defendant’s Apartment

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an 88-year-old parolee has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after getting convicted of first-degree murder and other charges for killing a Brooklyn woman whose body parts were discovered inside and in the vicinity of the defendant’s East New York apartment.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The brutality of this shocking crime is almost beyond words. This defendant committed a horrific murder that took Susan Leyden’s life and inflicted unimaginable pain on her family and loved ones. He must be locked away, and today’s sentence ensures that he will never be able to hurt anyone else again. I hope this outcome provides Susan’s family and loved ones with a measure of justice and some comfort as they continue to grieve.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Harvey Marcelin, 88, of East New York, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to life in prison without the possibility of parole following a conviction last month of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and concealment of a human corpse after a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, surveillance footage taken on February 27, 2022, showed the victim, 68-year-old Susan Leyden, entering the defendant’s apartment on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York. She was never seen leaving the apartment alive. Additional surveillance footage showed the defendant rolling a wheeled shopping bag containing a black plastic bag on March 2. The victim’s torso was discovered in that bag in the early morning hours of March 3.

In a subsequent search of the defendant’s apartment, police discovered the victim’s head and limbs, as well as blood, cleaning supplies, a hammer, and the box from an electric saw. On March 7, one of the victim’s legs was found near a garbage can about three blocks away. In addition, surveillance video showed the defendant purchasing a saw and cleaning supplies in a Manhattan Home Depot around the time of the victim’s disappearance.

The Medical Examiner determined that the victim, who resided in Clinton Hill, suffered blunt force trauma to the head and other physical injuries to her body. The investigation revealed that the defendant and the victim lived in the same shelter in the Bronx in 2019, but the nature of their relationship is unclear.

On October 16, 1963, the defendant was convicted of first-degree murder in Manhattan, forming the basis of the first-degree murder charge in this case.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detectives Thomas Pisano, of Brooklyn North Homicide Squad, and David Quattrocchi of the 75th Precinct Detective Squad. Paralegal Supervisor Jannette Ayala and Paralegal Monika Rostkowska, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, assisted in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau and Senior Assistant District Attorney Viviane Dussek, of the Homicide Bureau.

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Monday, June 8, 2026

Brooklyn Man Convicted of Manslaughter as a Hate Crime for Stabbing
Death of O’Shae Sibley in Anti-Gay Attack at Midwood Gas Station

Defendant Hurled Homophobic Slurs at Victim and His Friends,
Who were Dancing and Listening to Music following a Beach Outing

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been convicted of manslaughter as a hate crime and related charges for taunting, stabbing and killing O’Shae Sibley, 28, at a Midwood gas station after hurling homophobic and anti-Black slurs.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “O’Shae Sibley moved to New York to pursue his dream of being a dancer and choreographer, and his life was cut short when he was killed by this defendant, who couldn’t stand the sight of O’Shae and his friends just being themselves and living their lives openly as black gay men. By the jury’s verdict, this defendant will now be held accountable, and it is my hope that as the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the beginning of Pride Month, this verdict will bring O’Shae’s family, his friends, and the larger community some measure of solace. Hate has no place in Brooklyn, and my office will do everything in its power to keep our vulnerable communities safe.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dmitriy Popov, 20, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was convicted today of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime, second-degree menacing, second-degree aggravated harassment, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas. Sentencing was set for June 30, 2026, at which time the defendant faces up to 25 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 29, 2023, at approximately 11:06 p.m., at a Mobil gas station located at 1935 Coney Island Avenue in Midwood, Brooklyn, O’Shae Sibley and four of his friends stopped to fill up their car with gas after returning from the beach. Still in their beachwear, they stepped out to stretch their legs while listening to music, with one member of the group dancing outside their vehicle. The defendant and two associates then exited the gas station store and hurled homophobic and racist slurs at the men, saying, in sum and substance, “Get that gay s–t out of here.”

Sibley attempted to diffuse the situation and he and his friends responded, in substance, “You don’t know us, we’re just having a good time and enjoying our lives. It’s all respect, we’re allowed to be here just like you.” The defendant’s friends left at some point, but the defendant remained outside the gas station store, recording on his cell phone and continuing to antagonize the group with hateful remarks. When Sibley and two of his friends confronted the defendant, he reached into his pocket and pointed a knife at one of Sibley’s friends, threatening to stab him. The defendant then stabbed Sibley on the side of his chest, puncturing his heart, according to the evidence.

Sibley was pronounced dead at Maimonides Hospital a short time later.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jafari, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Prabhalya Pulim, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Kelli Muse, Hate Crimes Bureau Chief.

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Thursday, June 4, 2026

Six Defendants Arraigned in Nearly $11 Million Dollar Alleged Scheme

Father, Two Sons, Sister and Associates Allegedly Used Phony
Pandemic Relief Applications to Fraudulently Obtain Loans

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Small Business Administration General Counsel Wendell Davis, today announced that six defendants have been arraigned on an indictment charging them in connection with an alleged scheme to steal millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds and to use some of the proceeds to obtain a multimillion-dollar construction loan.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly stole millions of dollars from programs meant to help struggling businesses survive the pandemic. As alleged, they submitted fake records and phony loan applications to obtain public and bank funds. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who exploited critical emergency relief programs for personal gain during a global emergency.”

DOL-OIG Inspector General D’Esposito said, “This indictment alleges the exploitation of critical pandemic relief programs intended to support American workers in a time of national crisis. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar stolen from honest, hardworking Americans. The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General will not tolerate this theft,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “We remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to combat this criminal activity and hold accountable those who seek to exploit these government programs.”

General Counsel Davis said, “This case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and state and Federal law enforcement agencies to recover the product of this fraud.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Gregory Derney Harvey, 61, Gregory Norris James Harvey Jr., 33, both of Florida; Vaughn Harvey, 44, of Queens, Michelle Harvey, 57, of Brooklyn, Leroy Smith, 78, of Valley Stream, New York, and John McAulay, 57, of Schenectady, New York. Gregory Derney Harvey is the father of Gregory Norris James Harvey Jr. and Vaughn Harvey, and the brother of Michelle Harvey.

The defendants are variously charged in a 31-count indictment with fourth-degree conspiracy, first- and second-degree grand larceny, attempted first- and second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and first-degree money laundering. Gregory Derney Harvey and Gregory Norris James Harvey Jr. were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. The four other defendants were arraigned on the same indictment before Justice Chun on May 26, 2026. All six defendants were released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 12, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between April 2020 and October 2022, the defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) loan applications using fake tax returns, fabricated payroll records and phony bank statements submitted in the names of numerous corporations. The defendants allegedly obtained more than $6.9 million in pandemic relief funds through the scheme.

Furthermore, the investigation found that defendants Gregory Derney Harvey and his son Gregory Norris James Harvey Jr. allegedly pooled approximately $2.4 million of the alleged fraud proceeds and used the funds as a down payment to fraudulently obtain a construction loan and thus stole another $4,020.000.

The District Attorney thanked Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak and Supervising Financial Investigator Susan Ryan, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, KCDA Detective Investigators, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sergey Marts, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Tony Kim, also of the Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Bronx Man Indicted for Hate Crime Assault Targeting
Gay Victim on Brooklyn Subway

Victim Punched and Threatened with Knife in Unprovoked Attack

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with assault and menacing as hate crimes and related offenses in connection with an unprovoked attack against a gay man beginning aboard an L train in the Lorimer Street subway station in Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Every New Yorker deserves to ride the subway without being threatened or attacked because of who they are or who someone perceives them to be. This defendant is accused of targeting a stranger with homophobic slurs, following him through a station, threatening him with a knife, and repeatedly punching him. We will seek accountability for this alleged hate crime and will always stand with Brooklyn’s LGBTQ+ community against violence, intimidation, and hate.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Yeshayahuw Carraway, 41, of the Bronx. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a five-count indictment in which is charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault, third-degree menacing as a hate crime, third-degree menacing and second-degree aggravated harassment. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 12, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on January 18, 2026, at approximately 5 a.m., on a northbound L train at the Lorimer Street subway station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the defendant allegedly approached the 24-year-old victim and stated, “What are you looking at f—ing f—-t? You’re a sissy.” The defendant then allegedly followed the victim off the train and upstairs to the mezzanine, where he displayed a knife and struck the victim multiple times about the face and body with a closed fist. The victim suffered minor injuries to his finger and pain throughout his face and body. The defendant allegedly fled the station after the attack and was arrested following an investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sharmalee Brooks-Gordon, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau.

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

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Brooklyn Heights Co-Op Board President Indicted for
Allegedly Stealing More Than $700K From Shareholders

Defendant Allegedly Used Stolen Funds to Pay Mortgages and Buy Luxury Goods,
Including Rolex Watch and Dozens of Pairs of Designer Shoes

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a New Jersey woman has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with stealing more than $700,000 from the shareholders of the 40-unit Brooklyn Heights cooperative building where she served as board president.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly turned a position of trust into a six-year scheme to steal from her neighbors, spending more than seven hundred thousand dollars meant to maintain a cooperative on luxury items and personal bills. Board members are entrusted with the financial security of their communities, and we will prosecute anyone who exploits their authority to criminally enrich themselves.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Isabelle Gallier, 60, of Keansburg, New Jersey. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which she is charged with second-degree grand larceny. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 12, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, between approximately January 1, 2018 and February 29, 2024, Gallier allegedly used her position as board president of the cooperative at 130 Hicks Street to steal $708,216.61 in funds intended for the operation of the building. She allegedly used $218,351.36 to pay her personal mortgages and $125,754.82 on luxury goods, including $12,489.50 on furs, $4,028.38 on a Rolex watch and $53,022.55 on 150 pairs of designer shoes, including 28 pairs of Christian Louboutins and 16 pairs of Valentinos.

After the defendant was voted out as board president and a new board took over, the building’s financial records were turned over, revealing the alleged theft. Gallier subsequently sold her three units in the building and moved out.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Chief Financial Investigator Ludwig Sanchez and KCDA Detective Investigators for their work on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Richa Bhasin, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank Longobardi, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 29, 2026

Brooklyn Driver Sentenced to up to 10 Years in Prison for Striking
Two Women Attempting to Cross Bushwick Street, Killing One

Defendant Drove through Stop Sign and was Speeding While Fleeing Police

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for running a red light and multiple stop signs while fleeing police, ultimately striking two pedestrians, a senior citizen and her daughter. The older woman later died of her injuries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant sped through the streets of Brooklyn with no regard for public safety even after police tried to stop him, running red lights and stop signs and finally crashing into two women simply trying to cross the street. Juanita Vidal lost her life, and her daughter suffered serious injuries. This prosecution brings the defendant to justice and underscores our commitment to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Robert Matthews, 27, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter to an indeterminate term of five to 10 years in prison as part of a Court offer. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting where death results on April 13, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 9, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., the police were on patrol in the vicinity of Evergreen Street and Weirfield Street in Bushwick when they saw the defendant run through a stop sign directly in front of their vehicle.

The officers attempted to stop the defendant, who initially pulled over, but then sped away at a high speed. The police, with their lights on, followed and, according to the evidence, saw the defendant driving at excessive speeds, crossing the double yellow line multiple times to pass other cars, run a red light and multiple stop signs, and fail to signal. The defendant’s vehicle turned on to Eldert Street and sped towards the intersection of Eldert and Knickerbocker Street at a high rate of speed.

The defendant sped through a stop sign, according to the evidence, and swerved to avoid a vehicle in the intersection, then struck Juanita Vidal, 71, and her 44-year-old daughter, who were beginning to cross in the crosswalk. The defendant then struck a parked car and fled on foot.

Juanita Vidal suffered blunt force trauma to her neck and torso and later died at a hospital. Her daughter suffered multiple fractures to her body and ribs, which punctured her lungs. The defendant was arrested on July 22, 2024, following an investigation.

The investigation was conducted by the New York City Police Department’s Highway Patrol and Collision Investigation Squad Division.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Quinn McLoughlin, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Robert Walsh, as well as Street Safety Bureau Chief Jennifer Nocella and Deputy Chief Christopher Velez.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Manhattan Real Estate Lawyer Indicted for
Stealing Over $700,000 from Three Clients

Defendant Allegedly Stole Money from Sellers She Represented in Property Transactions

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a real estate attorney has been charged with stealing approximately $700,000 from three of her clients after being retained as a seller’s attorney in three separate real estate closings last year.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions of their lives, and they are entitled to trust that the professionals involved will safeguard their money. As alleged, this defendant abused that trust, violated her duties as a lawyer, and stole more than $700,000 from three clients who were waiting for the proceeds from the sale of their homes. My Office is committed to protecting homeowners, buyers, and sellers in Brooklyn, and to holding accountable attorneys and other professionals who use their position to steal from the people they are supposed to protect.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Apryl Hand, 53, whose law office was located at 1460 Broadway in Manhattan. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which she is charged with three 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 August 12, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between November 2025 and May 2026, the defendant, who specialized in real estate, allegedly stole approximately $701,600 from three of her clients who she represented in the sale of their Brooklyn homes. The alleged thefts were in the amounts of $348,000, $177,500 and $175,600.

In each instance, the purchasers of the properties wired the funds due at closing to the defendant’s escrow account, but she allegedly did not turn over the money to her clients. Despite their demands, she allegedly failed to return any of the money to any of the three clients.

The District Attorney thanked Financial Investigator Jose Covas of the Investigations Division for his assistance on this case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney T. Peter Choi of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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