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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Three Hoolie Gang Members Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Violent Crimes Including the Death of One-Year-Old Davell Gardner Jr.

Defendants Were Engaged in Gang War with Rival Street Gang;

Responsible for Three Murders and Six Shootings in Which the Victims Survived

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that three defendants variously convicted in a series of gang-related homicides and shootings, including the shooting death of Davell Gardner Jr., who was just 22 months old when he was shot and killed during a cookout in Bedford-Stuyvesant, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. A fourth defendant will be sentenced at a later date.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s lengthy sentences must send a message to those engaged in gun violence that it will not be tolerated in Brooklyn. Senseless gang rivalries perpetrated by these defendants left six people injured and three people dead, including Davell Gardner Jr., who was shot in the abdomen. Little Davell never got to celebrate his second birthday. My heart breaks for his mother and father and all the families and victims affected by such devastating gun violence. I commend my prosecutors and the NYPD for their determination to bring these defendants to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Travis Scott, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant; Dashawn Austin, 28, of Canarsie; Jayquan Lane, 31, of Bedford-Stuyvesant; and Akeem Artis, 27, of Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendants were variously convicted of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder, and other charges (see defendant addendum) following a six-month jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. The defendants were sentenced today by Justice Chun as follows: Scott was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison; Austin was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison; Artis was sentenced to 40 years in prison; Lane’s sentencing was adjourned to June 18, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendants are members of a violent street gang known as Hoolies, primarily based in and around the Roosevelt Housing Development in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The evidence presented at trial showed that the reason for Hoolies to commit acts of violence include retaliation against rival gangs and to display the gang’s strength.

Between May 2018 and May 2021, the Hoolies territory included 721 Willoughby Avenue and 303 Vernon Avenue, as well as the New York City Housing Authority Roosevelt Houses development and the surrounding area from Kosciuszko Street to Pulaski Street in between Marcus Garvey Boulevard to Stuyvesant Avenue.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 12, 2020, Dashawn Austin was seen entering the passenger seat of an Audi driven by Akeem Artis that turned on to Madison Street, near a park where there was a cookout. Austin fired into the park, striking Davell Gardner Jr., 22 months old, who later died, and three other people. Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter for that shooting death. Austin was convicted of three counts of second-degree attempted murder and Artis was convicted of three counts of first-degree attempted assault in connection with the other three innocent victims struck in the park shooting. Artis was also convicted of one count of second-degree attempted murder in connection with a June 24, 2020, shooting.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on March 3, 2020, Dashawn Austin and Jayquan Lane entered the Kinanm Lounge on Atlantic Avenue where alleged gang rival Janile Whitted was in attendance. They followed him when he left the lounge, and Austin fired several shots into his chest at close range, killing him. Austin and Lane were convicted of second-degree murder in that shooting death.

Travis Scott was also convicted of second-degree murder for the December 4, 2018 shooting death of Tyree Walker, 35, who was not a rival, as he walked towards his home on Myrtle Avenue, and of second-degree attempted murder for shooting and paralyzing a 23-year-old man that same night.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of Staff Nicole L. Chavis, Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Trial Division Joseph P. Alexis, and Senior Assistant District Attorneys Michael Diamond and Fabiola Marrufo, of the District Attorneys Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

DEFENDANT ADDENDUM:

Akeem Artis

• • Manslaughter in the 1^st
  • Assault in the 1^st – 3 counts
  • Attempt Murder in the 2^nd
  • Reckless Endangerment in the 1^st
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Intent
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Outside the home or place of business
  • Conspiracy in the 4^th

Jayquan Lane

• • Murder in the 2^nd degree
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Intent
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Outside the home or place of business
  • Conspiracy in the 2^nd
  • Conspiracy in the 4^th

Travis Scott

• • Murder in the Second degree
  • Attempt Murder in the Second Degree
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Intent ( 2 counts)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Outside the home or place of business (2 Count)
  • Conspiracy in the 2^nd
  • Conspiracy in the 4^th

Dashawn Austin

• • Murder in the 2^nd(2 counts)
  • Attempted Murder in the 2^nd (3 counts)
  • Reckless Endangerment in the 1^st
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Intent (2 Count)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd – Outside the home or place of business (2 Counts)
  • Conspiracy in the 2^nd
  • Conspiracy in the 4^th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 3, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison

for Shooting and Wounding New York City Police Officer

Defendant Shot Officer Trying to Handcuff Him While Responding to Domestic Dispute

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree attempted murder for opening fire on New York City Police Officers in 2022. The defendant fired one shot, striking an officer in the foot, and fired additional shots at officers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Police Officers put their lives on the line every day while responding to all kinds of disputes. Luckily Officer Orlando Adorno, and the other responding officers, were not seriously injured or killed by this defendant’s decision to open fire on police. Today’s lengthy sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Raheen Joye, 43, of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 19 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on April 10, 2024.

The District Attorney said that on December 21, 2022, at approximately 8:00 a.m., inside of an apartment at 277 Gates Avenue, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, the defendant and his girlfriend had an argument, and the defendant kicked a hole in the wall. The girlfriend then called 911.

At approximately 8:50 a.m., police responding to the 911 call were met by the girlfriend and the defendant in front of the building. Police interviewed both individuals, and the defendant admitted to kicking a hole in the wall. When told he was going to be arrested, the defendant tried to run and Police Officers Orlando Adorno, Angel Valenzuela, and Gina Williams Gordon, tried to subdue him. The defendant resisted and pulled a blue gun out of his pocket and fired one shot, hitting Officer Adorno’s foot. The defendant then fled down Gates Avenue toward Bedford Avenue with police in pursuit.

While never losing sight of the defendant, police observed the defendant holding a blue handgun while fleeing towards Monroe Street. On Monroe Street, two other police officers pursued the defendant, who ran towards Police Officer Christopher Bowie. The defendant pointed his gun toward Police Officers Bowie and Alexander Bido. Gunfire was exchanged between the defendant and police. The defendant was shot and fell to the ground, where the defendant shot at Police Officer Bowie and Bido before dropping the blue handgun to the ground and being apprehended.

Officer Adorno was treated for a gunshot wound to the foot and Officer Valenzuela was treated for injuries to the ankle.

The defendant was taken to Methodist Hospital and treated for two gunshot wounds to the leg.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Aleena Peerzada, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Chief of the Blue Zone.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Brooklyn Man Convicted of Selling Exotic Animal Body Parts 

Defendant Sold Mounted Cougar Head, Other Items, to Undercover Officer

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced that a Brooklyn man pleaded guilty to violating New York State Environmental Conservation Law by selling a prohibited wild animal part – a cougar head – to an undercover officer. The defendant additionally turned over other prohibited contraband in his possession under the terms of the plea.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We’re committed to stopping the illegal wildlife trade in our communities, and by prosecuting cases like this, we’re not just enforcing the law—we’re sending a strong message that protecting endangered species from harm is a priority. I appreciate our strong partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the hard work of our prosecutors in securing this conviction.”

Interim Commissioner Mahar said, “Cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade in New York State helps save the lives of animals often targeted by brutal poachers. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement explores every tip, chases down all leads, and fully investigates claims regarding the international illegal wildlife trade and its facilitators in New York State to ensure lawbreakers are held accountable for their crimes and animals are protected. DEC is proud to work with our partners in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and advance this investigation that led to a successful prosecution.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Usher Weiss, 26, of Borough Park, Brooklyn. He pleaded guilty today to violating Environmental Conservation Laws before Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Dale Fong-Frederick. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and to surrender the additional contraband in his possession.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on November 2, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., an undercover investigator for the NYS DEC met the defendant at a building on 49^th Street in Borough Park. In the basement of the building the undercover gave the defendant $900 in exchange for a cougar head mount. The defendant then offered the undercover a full cheetah head mount for $10,000.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, on December 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the undercover met the defendant at a building on 53^rd Street in Borough Park. The defendant handed the undercover a cheetah head mount, the skull of a big cat, the skin of a pinniped pup, and a bird mount.

Finally, according to the investigation, Weiss had several other illegal items in his possession in violation of the Environmental Conservation Law, including: a full alligator taxidermy, a tiger skin, a cheetah skin, and an elephant foot. He bought the items on websites, including Craigslist and OfferUp, and surrendered the items to the DEC last month.

The District Attorney thanked the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Law Enforcement, specifically Captain Sara Komonchak, Captain Jesse Paluch, Lieutenant George Wilber and the investigators involved, for bringing about this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica White, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Pamela J. Murray, Deputy Chief of the Frauds Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, 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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Brooklyn Man Who Allegedly Punched Woman in Random,

Unprovoked Attack Indicted for Felony Assault

Victim Suffered Broken Jaw

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 33-year-old man from Crown Heights, Brooklyn has been indicted for felony assault and related charges for allegedly punching a 57-year-old woman in the face unexpectedly and with no provocation, breaking her jaw.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Random attacks against strangers, especially women, are beyond senseless and completely unacceptable. A grand jury that heard all the evidence returned an indictment for felony assault and we will now seek to hold the defendant accountable, so he will not repeat this outrageous and criminal conduct.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Franz Jeudy, 33, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino on an indictment charging him with second-degree assault, attempted second-degree assault, third-degree assault, and related counts. He remains on supervised release (The DA’s Office requested $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond) and was ordered to return to court on July 2, 2024. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that on March 26, 2024, at about 5 p.m., the victim, a 57-year-old woman from Crown Heights, who was heading home from her work as a school bus driver, was walking on Grand Avenue near Atlantic Avenue in Crown Heights.

She walked by the defendant, a stranger, who allegedly punched her in the face unexpectedly and without any provocation or words being exchanged between them beforehand. The victim ran to a nearby restaurant where her brother works and pointed out the defendant to him. The brother chased the defendant for several blocks and held the defendant until police officers arrived.

The victim was transported to New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital. She suffered fractures to both sides of her jaw and lost multiple teeth. The case was initially charged as a misdemeanor assault but, after a review of the circumstances and the extent of injuries, the charges were upgraded to a felony.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Michael Trabulsi, Iris Das and Linda Hristova, Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 29, 2024

East Flatbush Man Indicted for Murder of Neighbor’s Three-Year-Old Son

Defendant Allegedly Lured Toddler to Vacant Apartment Before Beating and Drowning Death

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder and kidnapping for the alleged beating and drowning death of a three-year-old boy. The child’s mother had left the boy in the care of the defendant’s stepfather, a next-door neighbor, when the defendant allegedly lured the child into a vacant apartment next door and killed him.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Denim Brown was an innocent child whose life ended in unthinkable violence, allegedly at the hands of this defendant. We are determined to see that this defendant is held responsible for this crime. Our hearts are with the boy’s mother and loved ones as they grieve this horrific loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kevin James, 29, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on an indictment in which he is charged with two-counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, and luring a child. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on June 20, 2024. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 17, 2024, the mother of three-year-old Denim Brown left him in the care of the defendant’s stepfather. The families live in the same building on New York Avenue in East Flatbush and the stepfather frequently babysat for the boy. At approximately 7 p.m., the defendant was allegedly seen leaving his family’s fourth-floor apartment with Brown.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, when the stepfather realized the boy was missing, he and other family members began to frantically search the building for him. At approximately 9:30 p.m., Brown was found face down in a bathtub full of water inside a vacant apartment down the hall.

The child, who showed signs of being severely beaten, was rushed to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant’s credit card was allegedly discovered inside the vacant apartment near the boy’s body.

An autopsy by the Office of the New York City Medical Examiner concluded that Brown’s cause of death was drowning with a contributing factor of blunt force trauma to the head and body.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel Newcombe, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Olatokunbo Olaniyan, First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Armed Robbery and Shooting Spree in East Williamsburg That Left One Dead, One Injured

Defendant Convicted of First- and Second-Degree Murder Following Jury Trial 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Boerum Hill man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for fatally shooting a man and wounding another during an armed robbery spree in East Williamsburg in 2021. The defendant was convicted of first- and second-degree murder, as well as numerous other charges.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a vicious crime spree that left a trail of terror and trauma to multiple victims, including a father of three who did not survive being shot by the defendant. With today’s sentence, the defendant has been held accountable for his actions. We will never tolerate such violence in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ramel Chapman, 32, of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree robbery, and three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on February 14, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 13, 2021, at approximately 12:39 a.m., at 200 Morgan Avenue, in East Williamsburg, Sean Robinson, 33, of Stamford, Connecticut, and his friend, a 38-year-old man, were hanging out after attending a party and were targeted by the defendant. Robinson was sitting in his Ford Mustang convertible when the defendant approached him, pointed a 9-millimeter handgun at him and yelled, “This ain’t no joke, give me your sh-t!” The defendant grabbed Robinson, shot him once in the chest and ripped two gold chains from his neck. The defendant then approached the second man, who was standing on the other side of the car, pistol-whipped him in the face, and ripped a gold chain from his neck.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant then ran to the corner of Stagg Street and Morgan Avenue, where a third victim was standing by his Dodge vehicle. The defendant pointed the handgun at the man and asked, “Do you want some too, big man?” At that point, the third victim retreated. The defendant then entered the vehicle and stole money, marijuana, and keys to the vehicle.

From there, according to the evidence, the defendant went to The Anchored Inn, a bar located three blocks away. Video surveillance captured the defendant examining the robbery proceeds. The defendant then left and headed home in a Lyft. Cell site records and video surveillance track the defendant traveling from the bar back to his home in Boerum Hill.

Robinson, a father of three who was engaged to marry his fiancé, was pronounced dead at Woodhull Medical Center. Testimony showed a bullet tore through his rib cage and right lung before it penetrated his heart and lodged in his spine.

The defendant, who was on parole, was identified on surveillance footage by two of his parole officers. He was arrested on July 27, 2021.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Burglar Who Broke into Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island

Sentenced to up to 8 Years in Prison

Caught on Camera Stealing Approximately $100,000 from Safe;

Re-Arrested After Jumping Bail

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to up to eight years in prison after breaking into Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island and stealing approximately $100,000 from a safe. The defendant failed to appear in court after being released on bail. He was rearrested after an alleged break-in on the Lower East Side. He pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny and second-degree bail jumping in March.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Beyond breaking into Gargiulo’s, a beloved Coney Island landmark for more than a century, this defendant is a serial burglar who has shown that he will continue to commit crimes if he remains at large, necessitating today’s prison sentence. My office is committed to protecting the property of everyone in Brooklyn and to holding offenders to account.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Luis Mercado, 34, of Coney Island. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones to two concurrent prison terms of four to eight years and one-and-a-half to three years in a jail, following his guilty plea on March 11, 2024, to second-degree grand larceny and second-degree bail jumping.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 29, 2022, at about 2 a.m., the owner of Gargiulo’s Restaurant located at 2911 West 15^th Street in Coney Island, was alerted that the alarm had been activated. About $100,000 in cash was missing from the safe in a back office and video surveillance captured the defendant and an accomplice breaking into the building. The defendant and the accomplice, who were wearing black clothing, gloves, and blue surgical masks, then fled through a side door towards West 15th Street and down Mermaid Avenue.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, detectives from the New York City Police Department’s 60th Precinct recovered video surveillance from numerous locations in the area that tracked the defendant and the accomplice as they traveled from the defendant’s home at 2760 West 33^rd Street to Gargiulo’s and back to 2760 West 33^rd Street. At that point, according to the evidence, the defendant entered the building’s elevator. He is then shown on camera removing the blue surgical mask covering his face.

The defendant was arrested on July 6, 2022, and indicted on charges of second-degree grand larceny and third-degree burglary.

After the defendant failed to appear in court on August 22, 2023, a bench warrant was issued. The defendant was subsequently arrested on September 12, 2023, for allegedly burglarizing a Lower East Side nightclub, and returned to Brooklyn. On January 31, 2024, the defendant was rearrested and charged with second-degree bail jumping.

The District Attorney thanked the NYPD’s 60^th Precinct Detective Squad, Supervising Paralegal Aneudy Mata, and Paralegal Andy Wang for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Danyelle Shapiro and Assistant District Attorney Adam Ghalmi, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Boykin, Deputy Bureau Chief, and under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Four Hoolie Gang Members Variously Convicted in Multiple Shootings, Including the Death of One-Year-Old Davell Gardner Jr. in Bed-Stuy  

Defendants Were Engaged in Gang War with Rival Street Gang

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that four defendants have been convicted in a series of gang-related homicides and shootings, including the shooting death of Davell Gardner Jr., who was just 22 months old when he was shot and killed during a cookout in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendants were convicted following a six-month jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that Brooklyn’s streets will not be playgrounds for gang wars. The reckless bloodshed perpetrated by these individuals not only robbed the innocent Davell Gardner, Jr., of a future but has also left an indelible scar on our community. These defendants will be held accountable for their horrific crimes, and my office stands unwavering in our fight against the scourge of gang violence in our neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding prosecutors in my office who tried this complex and lengthy case and thank the NYPD for their excellent work.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Travis Scott, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Dashawn Austin, of Canarsie, Jayquan Lane, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Akeem Artis of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Scott, Austin and Lane were variously convicted today of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second- and fourth-degree conspiracy following a six-month jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree conspiracy, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Sentencing was set for May 1, 2024 for Artis and May 8, 2024 for the other defendants.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendants are members of a violent street gang known as Hoolies, primarily based in and around the Roosevelt Housing Development in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The evidence presented at trial showed that the reason for Hoolies to commit acts of violence include retaliation against rival gangs and to display the gang’s strength.

Between May 2018 and May 2021, the Hoolies territory included 721 Willoughby Avenue and 303 Vernon Avenue, as well as the New York City Housing Authority Roosevelt Houses development and the surrounding area from Kosciuszko Street to Pulaski Street in between Marcus Garvey Boulevard to Stuyvesant Avenue.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 12, 2020, Dashawn Austin was seen entering the passenger seat of an Audi driven by Akeem Artis that turned on to Madison Street, near a park where there was a cookout. Austin fired into the park, striking Davell Gardner Jr., 22 months old, who later died, and three other people. Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter for that shooting death. Austin was convicted of three counts of second-degree attempted murder and Artis was convicted of three counts of first-degree attempted assault in connection with the other three innocent victims struck in the park shooting. Artis was also convicted of one count of second-degree attempted murder in connection with a June 24, 2020 shooting.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on March 3, 2020, Dashawn Austin and Jayquan Lane entered the Kinanm Lounge on Atlantic Avenue where alleged gang rival Janile Whitted was in attendance. They followed him when he left the lounge, and Austin fired several shots into his chest at close range, killing him. Austin and Lane were convicted of second-degree murder in that shooting death.

Travis Scott was also convicted of second-degree murder for the December 4, 2018 shooting death of Tyree Walker, 35, who was not a rival, as he walked towards his home on Myrtle Avenue, and of second-degree attempted murder for shooting and paralyzing a 23-year-old man that same night.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of Staff Nicole L. Chavis, Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Trial Division Joseph P. Alexis, and Senior Assistant District Attorneys Michael Diamond and Fabiola Marrufo, of the District Attorneys Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 12, 2024

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Allegedly Killing Acquaintance,

Dismembering Victim’s Body and Storing it in Refrigerator  

Defendant was Arrested in Virginia, Extradited to Brooklyn to Face Charges,

Defendant’s Wife was Indicted for Concealment of a Human Corpse

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Nicholas McGee has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder for the alleged stabbing death of an acquaintance in a Flatbush apartment in 2022 following a dispute over drugs.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a gruesome and horrific murder that we allege began with an attack on the victim as he slept. We will now seek to hold the defendant accountable for this senseless crime.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Nicholas McGee, 45, of Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully on an indictment in which he is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, tampering with physical evidence and concealment of a human corpse. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on April 15, 2024. The defendant faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The defendant’s wife, Heather Stines, 45, was arraigned on February 21, 2024, on an indictment in which she is charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, concealment of a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in March 2022, the defendant allegedly stabbed Kawsheen Gelzer, 39, in the back as he slept on a sofa in the defendant’s apartment, located at 2069 Nostrand Avenue, following a dispute over drugs. The victim woke up, and the pair struggled. Gelzer died after being stabbed multiple times and hit with a hammer. The defendant then allegedly stole drugs out of the victim’s pocket.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the defendant used a small saw and a hammer to dismember the victim’s body, placing most of it in plastic bags that were then placed in a suitcase and stored in a refrigerator. The victim’s head and torso were stored in the refrigerator and his arms and legs were stored in the freezer.

The body was discovered by police on January 22, 2024, after they responded to the location following an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip that Stines was keeping a body in her refrigerator. She was arrested at that time. McGee was arrested in Chesapeake, Virginia and returned to Brooklyn yesterday.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 11, 2024

Crown Heights Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison

For Sexually Assaulting Two Women in Prospect Park

Defendant Approached the Victims in Separate Afternoon Attacks 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Crown Heights man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting two women as they were walking through Prospect Park.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I commend the victims in this case for the incredible courage and grace they showed by coming to court and testifying against the defendant. He has now been brought to justice and with today’s lengthy sentence it is ensured that he will not be able to attack any other innocent, vulnerable women.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Carlis Clarke, 28, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Christopher Robles to 15 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of one count of predatory sexual assault, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of second-degree assault on March 18, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on March 11, 2019, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a 25-year-old woman was walking through Prospect Park when the defendant walked up to her, grabbed her by the hair, pulled her off the path and dragged her into the woods. He then sexually assaulted her, dragged her to a fence, and forced himself on her again.  The defendant and the victim then heard a noise, he became distracted, and she was able to flee.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on February 23, 2021, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a 33-year-old woman was walking through Prospect Park when the defendant, wearing a ski mask, grabbed the woman by the hair, pulled her into the woods, sat on her, and sexually assaulted her. As the victim fought him off and screamed, a passerby heard her, came to her aid, and chased the defendant away.

The witness called 911 and followed the defendant into the Ebbets Field Houses. He was captured on surveillance video and arrested. His DNA was matched to DNA collected from the scarf of the 2019 victim.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Gwen Barnes and Tatiana Benjamin, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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