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     Click here for Inner City Press' weekday news reports, from the United Nations and elsewhere.  Click here for a recent BBC piece on Inner City Press' reporting from the United Nations  Search This Site    Click for March 1, 2011 BloggingHeads.tv re Libya, Sri Lanka, UN Corruption by Inner City Press.     Click here for Inner City Press front page

  ICP has published a (double) book about a variety of Bronx-relevant topics -- a review in Commonweal magazine of Dec. 5, 2003, opines  that "Predatory Bender... is as vivid an account of life in the Bronx as you are likely to read" -- click here for sample chapters, here for an interactive maphere for fast ordering and delivery, and here for other ordering information.  See also, "City Lit: Roman a Klepto [Review of ‘Predatory Bender’]," by Matt Pacenza, City Limits, Sept.-Oct. 2004. CBS MarketWatch of April 23, 2004, says the the novel has "some very funny moments," and that the non-fiction mixes "global statistics and first-person accounts." The Washington Post of March 15, 2004, calls Predatory Bender: America in the Aughts "the first novel about predatory lending;" the London Times of April 15, 2004, "A Novel Approach," said it "has a cast of colorful characters."   The Pittsburgh City Paper of Dec. 11, 2003, wrote that it "may, in fact, be the first great American lending malfeasance novel" including "low-level loan sharks, class-action lawyers, corporate bigwigs, hired muscle, corrupt politicians, Iraq War veterans, Wall Street analysts, reporters and one watchdog with a Web site."  And all in The Bronx!   Click here for that review; for more information, contact usSee, in Nov 2021, Inner City Press' book "Belt and Roadkill," here

December 3, 2023

For Selling Gun In Front of Bronx Building Man Ordered Released Now Revoked by Part 1 Judge

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Nov 28 – Akeba Palmer was arrested on November 22 and charged with selling a gun to a confidential source in front of his building in the Bronx, with a child with him.  

On November 27 he was brought before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Saral L. Cave. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag Court. 

 Palmer had five supporters, including a girl, in the gallery. The AUSA noted the defendants prior convictions, including for armed robbery of a food delivery person, back in the Aughts. 

  The CJA lawyer said that was a long time ago, and that Palmer is himself a food delivery man now.  Judge Cave said Palmer could be released but only after co-signers are vetted; he cannot, she said, work as a food delivery person.

   The AUSA said his Office would be appealing to the Part 1 Judge Victor Marrero.

Inner City Press was there when the appeal was heard; thread:

Defense: This is not the most dangerous crime. If he's jailed he will lose his apartment. Part 1

Judge Victor Marrero: I revoke the bail package. This involves a career criminal, allegedly selling a gun.

Akeba Palmer will be detained, apparently in MDC Brooklyn.

Inner City Press will continue to follow the case. It is US v. Palmer, 23-mj-7289 (Cave / Marrero)

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November 27, 2023

Video of NYPD Punching Bronx Felon Filed Along With Bond Request in SDNY

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Nov 24 – A Bronx man out on supervised release after serving 38 months in prison in a narcotics conspiracy was arrested in The Bronx and charged with gun possession on October 11, 2023. He had been in Federal detention since October 13. 

  On November 24, his lawyer filed with the judge a link to an Instagram video of the arrest, complete with an NYPD officer repeatedly punching him in the face. Inner City Press found the filing and followed the link.

The request now is for release on $100,000; a hearing is set for November 28 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge George B. Daniels.

The case is US v. Goodman, et al., 20-cr-57 (Daniels)

November 20, 2023

For Burnt Bronx Smoke Shop Man Gets SDNY Plea to Marijuana Possession, Halfway House

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY Exclusive, Nov 17 – Mohammed Kassim tried to return marijuana he bought from a smoke shop at 1274 Castle Hill Avenue on March 13, 2023. They refused to take it back.

He returned on March 17 and lit the store on fire. 

 On November 17, 2023 Kassim was brought before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger to plead guilty - to possession of marijuana. While marijuana is now level at the New York State level, it is not at the federal level.  

 This was the SDNY prosecutors' way to finesse the arson charge. They indicated they will agree to a sentence of six months in a halfway house, but successfully opposed release on bond for the holidays.

 In the gallery, along with Inner City Press, the only people were Kassim parents, with interpretation headphones on.

More detail and analysis on Substack here

  The case is US v. Kassim, 23-cr-608 (Lehrburger)

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November 13, 2023

Skyfield Wants Speedy Trial on Bronx Ammo Charge But Week Excluded to Find CJA Lawyer

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Nov 9 – Tyriek Skyfield was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of ammo, after a shooting in The Bronx. He has demanded a Speedy Trial.  

On November 9, 2023 he appeared before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Lewis J. Liman for a change of counsel. Inner City Press was there.

 The first counsel said he would be unable to represent Skyfield in any trial in the 70 days of the Speedy Trial Act.

 The day's CJA lawyer said the same.   Judge Liman said his deputy will try to find a CJA lawyer who can, and set a January 16, 2024 trial date.

After first appearing to say that the AUSA requested "wiggle room" was no ground to exclude time, he nevertheless excluded time for a week, to find another lawyer. 

  To some, it might appear that fights under the Speedy Trial Act are contingent on being able to pay for counsel. 

 The complaint has photos depicting Skyfield at the shooting, then entering a Bronx strip club wearing what the AUSA said was a distinctive graphic T-shirt.

November 6, 2023

Charged With Shooting 13 Times in Bronx Housing Project Allen is Detained in SDNY

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 30 – Terrence Allen was arrested and charged with shooting a gun 13 times in the Melrose Houses in the South Bronx. In state court he was released on $50,000 bail.

Then the case was Federalized and he was arrested again.

 On October 30 Allen appeared by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York new Magistrate Judge Stein Gary. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag court.

    The AUSA emphasized 13 shots, and Allen's arrest twice in the same silver Mercedes. The Federal Defender said he works two jobs on Long Island and could stay with his wife near the Williamsburg Bridge.  

Judge Stein took a break to mull it, then returned and said he had to detain Allen on danger grounds. The preliminary hearing was set for the 14th day.

The case is US v. Allen, 23-mj-6928 (Stein)

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October 30, 2023

Shooting of Baby in The Bronx Resulted in 2 Arrests, Now Renewed Bid for Bail Set Nov 1

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 24 –  Two men were presented and detained in Manhattan Federal court on August 9, 2023 for a shooting of an 11-month-old baby in January 2022. The baby was in the courtroom - and so was Inner City Press. Thread:

OK - now presentment of AHMED ALTOREI & SAMUEL BAUTISTA after a street shooting on Jan 19, 2022, targeting a rival drug dealer but shot an 11-month-old baby in the face.  Courtroom filling.

Deputy: Mr Lazzaro, are you consenting? [To detention]

A: Yes. [This could be a short one]

In the gallery, a couple with a baby...  All rise!

 Lance Lazzaro, for Ahmed Altorei (he i$ retained)

Federal Defender for Samuel Bautista, with financial affidavit.

Judge: Cocaine base aka crack sales, using guns, brandished and discharged. Bautista is a felon, with .380 ammo 

Judge: Both consent to detention without prejudice. Medical order as to Mr Bautista.

  AUSA: Next is Sept 8 at 11 am in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Afterward, the couple and the now older than a year baby went out together down the hall.

On September 8, the two were back in court, before SDNY Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain. Inner City Press was there. Beyond setting the next conference for Novemver 15 at 11:30 am, Bautista asked to be released on bond.

The AUSA responded with a narrative of the background to the shooting: a feud with Tyrone Handley a/k/a Smokey, in and around 2860 Grand Concourse and 198th Street in The Bronx. The baby's parents spoke, and urged that detention be continued. As docketed on September 12, it was.

On October 5, docketed October 6, a superseding indictment, with Altorei, Bautista and Ronald Coradin a/k/a Scrappy...

On October 19 Coradin got his Rule 5(f) order before being detained on consent and Lance Lazzaro asked to make an application for bail for Altorei on October 25, citing six friends who would co-sign, from Panda Group and Alabama Chicken.

On October 24, the bail hearing was set for November 1, before Chief Judge Swain: "Request for the Opportunity to Make a Bail Application. ENDORSEMENT: The below request is granted. A bail hearing in this case is scheduled to proceed on November 1, 2023, at 3:30 PM in Courtroom 17C." Watch this site.

 Inner City Press will stay on the case(s). 

 The case is US v. Altorei, et al., 23-cr-407 (Swain / Gorenstein)

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October 23, 2023

NYPD Officer Arrested For Kilo Fentanyl Sale Plan Is Released on $100000 Bond in SDNY

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Oct 20 – A NYPD officer who was on modified duty for three years was arrested and presented on October 20 in Federal court for trying to selling kilo-weight fentanyl. Inner City Press was there. She was released on $100,000 bond. 

  U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge James L. Cott was presiding. Inner City Press thread:

AUSA Amanda Weingarten: Rosa Grace Baez worked in the NYPD precinct in the East Village, this was her side hustle. She had a kilo press with her boyfriend Cesar Martines. She was placed on modified duty 3 years ago. It is eggregious. She resigned yesterday.

CJA: She wants bail

Defense: She owns a house in the Bronx, has 2 children. Her father flew up from the Dominican Republic today to be here. Don't put a now former police officer in the MDC...

 AUSA: My understanding is that the investigation of Baez 3 years ago was for consorting with gang members and drug dealers. [Echo of US v Mestre case Inner City Press first covered here

 Judge: I am setting bail for Ms Baez: $100,000 bond with 2 co-signers. She can be released on her own signature today, home detention in her Arnow Ave home.

The case is US v. Baez, 23-mj- 6893 (Cott)

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October 16, 2023

Man Convicted of Murder and Conspiracy To Kill Federal Witnesses Now Faces Life Sentence

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 12 – William Jones is on trial for Conspiracy to Murder a Federal Informant To Prevent Communication to Law Enforcement. Inner City Press is covering the case, from 2021 into 2023 and beyond.

     On September 23, 2021 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Edgardo Ramos held a proceeding. Inner City Press covered it.

  Judge Ramos asked if the capital decision had been made. It has not. But the "Special Finding" have been set forth.

The killing was in Suffolk County, New York, after abduction from The Bronx on December 28, 2019.

Jump cut to June 28, 2023. In the SDNY Magistrates Court, with Inner City Press the only media there, Jones was arraigned on a superseding indictment. He had three lawyers at the table. His trial is set for October 2, 2023, and Speedy Trial Act time was excluded until then by SDNY Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Inner City Press intends to cover the trial.

On September 7 the US filed an additional protective order for 3500 material citing the violent nature of the case. The defense is seeking to keep out the autopsy photos of Frederick Delacruz.

On September 21, after yet another defendant in the case passed through the Magistrates Court, Genaro Castro was brought in after self-surrender in the Western District of North Carolina. He was nevertheless detained, on danger grounds.

In October 2023, the trial was on - and Inner City Press went. Cooperators Castillo and Rivera were on the stand, testifying as to the rules of retaliation, hand signs, meetings and dues. The prosecution wants a Detective Jiminez to testify about what the decedent, his CI, told him.

  The defense objects, as hearsay. But the prosecution argues that Jones made the witness unavailable. That's what we're hear for, to decide, the defense lawyer said.

But apparently that finding of Jones' role can be made on a preponderance of the evidence, not reasonable doubt.

On October 10 Detective Jiminez was on the stand, testifying about getting de la Cruz out of trouble in NJ and then Connecticut. Played for the jury was de la Cruz' last voice mail to Jiminez, that "they are taking me out to Long Island." 

On October 11 Jones' lawyer in closing argument picked up a weapon from the prosecutors table and said it was a cooperating witness who knew more about it. He cited Judge Ramos' "lengthy by well done" legal instruction. Next up: a verdict.

It came on October 12: "WILLIAM JONES, a/k/a “Principe,” was convicted by a jury of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses for his role in the murder of Frederick Delacruz on December 28, 2019.  The defendant was found guilty on all counts following an eight-day jury trial ..murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison."

The case is US v. Jones, 21-cr-505 (Ramos / Willis)

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October 9, 2023

Man Arrested in Bronx House with 50 Pounds of Fentanyl Was Freed But No Passport at Deadline

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 7 – Cristian Eustate Espinal and three others were arrested in a residence in The Bronx with 50 pounds of fentalyl and pill and kilo presses.

Cristian, late on October 6, 2023, was released on bond, on his own signature, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Magistrates Court.  

 Cristian's Criminal Justice Act lawyer argued that he had merely been present in the drug house, and not tied to it. The Assistant US Attorney argued it would have been impossible for him not to have known it was a narcotics factory, what with the garbage bags taped over the windows. 

SDNY Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron ordered release on bond. But the AUSA said they would appeal to the week's Part 1 District Judge, Arun Subramanian.  

 Judge Subramanian held the appeal in the Magistrates courtroom. Again, Inner City Press was there.

After detailed inquiry into where the drugs had been found -- in an alcove of the bathroom, as shown on the AUSA's phone -- Judge Subramanian upheld Magistrate Judge Aaron's release order, adding that the CJA lawyer must turn in Cristian's Dominican passport by noon on Saturday or he would be arrested. 

 The CJA lawyer replied that she would be in the MDC jail on Saturday, until 3 at the latest - and that if she did not have the passport by then, she would turn Cristian in to the Marshals.

  At 3 pm on Saturday, October 7, the defense lawyer was in front of Chatham Towers then the 200 Worth Street entrance of the courthouse, and to her credit acknowledged not having the passport. She was using her phone, perhaps trying to get her client there as was represented to the Court. What next? Watch this site.

October 2, 2023

After Fentanyl Death in Bronx Day Care 4th Man Arrested in California on SDNY Charge

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 28– Following the death of a one-year old baby by fentanyl, on September 19, 2023 the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York charged Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito.

On September 25, with no notice and Inner City Press initially the only person in the courtroom gallery, the third man was brought in: Renny Antonio Parra Paredes. Inner City Press live tweeted, thread:

Renny Antonio Parra Paredes is seated at defense table with assigned lawyer and SPanish interpretation headphones. Judge still not here but others coming

All rise! Mag Judge Ona T. Wang presiding. Arrest just after midnight on Sept 23, Saturday and waived speedy presentment. He is in a white T-shirt. CJA defense lawyer is appointed.

 Judge Wang: You are charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics. AUSA: We seek detention, and they consent. Defense lawyer: Most of his family is out of town. We consent.

 Parra Paredes, in jean long shorts now without belt, us led out.

His lawyer asks,

MDC? Yes.

More on Substack here

September 25, 2023

After Fentanyl Death of 1-Year Old in Bronx Day Care 2 Are Detained in SDNY, 1 on Lam

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 19 – Following the death of a one-year old baby by fentanyl, on September 19, 2023 the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York charged Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito.

The charge was and is narcotics possession with intent to distribute resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death in connection with the overdose of four children under the age of three, one of whom died, at a daycare facility in the Bronx on September 15, 2023.

  Inner City Press went to the SDNY press conference and asked US Attorney Damian Williams if his office would be seeking pre-trial detention (yes) and if those upstream who sold the fentanyl would be charged with the death. No answer, at least not yet. Video here.

  The duo was set to be presented in SDNY Magistrates Court, to which Inner City Press next turned. It was present there for hours. Thread here:

Brito is brought out, already in MDC tan uniform. 

Magistrate Judge Jennifer Willis now presiding in US v Brito

 AUSA Thompson: We seek detention. Defense: We consent at this time.

 Brito is led back into the holding cell [and later to MDC, where SBF is complaining about lack of vegan meals and fast enough laptop. Brito, it seems clear, will not be exempted from prisoner count like Sam is]

OK - now fentanyl daycare Ms Mendez has been brought out. She is crying.

 Federal Defender: Ms Mendez is a 36 year old legal resident. She worked in a restaurant. She is a single custodial parent, now that her husband has fled.

Judge: I am going to detain you. Mendez: Aye, no! [crying]

Federal Defender goes back on the record to say she has diabetes. Both sides agree: she will be in MDC

More on Substack here

Watch this site.

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September 18, 2023

Bronx Drug Case Expanded To Cover A Murder so Beltran Trial in SDNY, CI Was Deactivated

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 12 –  A multi-defendant case charging narcotics conspiracy and guns, with phone data dumps and complaints from Valhalla and Essex County jails landed in Federal court. 

On February 5, 2021 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Katherine Polk Failla held a proceeding. Inner City Press covered it.  

Assistant US Attorney Frank Balsamello described the range of discovery, and a parallel state case.

Defendants cut in, complaining of bad treatment. Judge Failla supported the idea of a discovery coordinator. 

  Jump cut to June 2022 when defendant Drilon Haxhaj, according to his lawyer, has been engaged in extensive plea negotiations - and therefore asks that his May 2022 suppression motion be held in abeyance. He pled guilty on June 27.

On July 21, 2022 Judge Failla held a proceeding with remaining defendants and Inner City Press went and attended, live tweeting here:

On March 29, counsel for Shpendi Haxhaj filed a reply memo to sever his case, citing the risks of a joint trial. Dkt 161. In a garbled footnote, "the defense does not concede that the alleged statements made by the court-defendant are true or that they were in fact made at all. The defense argues that if the declaration co-defenses t's statements were omitted as evidence that regardless of their truth they would prejudice the defendant."

On July 24, 2023, counsel for Shpendi Haxhaj filed another letter with Judge Failla, that "we informed Mr. Haxhaj that if he is convicted at trial of murder in aid of racketeering, he would face a mandatory life sentence... Mr. Haxhaj has informed Counsel that he has elected to proceed to trial."

On August 9, co-defendant Ivis Perdomo's lawyer filed a supplemental sentencing memo complete with DD5s and photos of a club shooting, objecting to the US seeking at least 240 months.

On August 17 Jeremy Cedeno was sentenced, at the top of his guideline. Inner City Press was there, thread.

On September 12, co-defendant Boris Beltran was on trial on Courtroom 110 of 40 Foley Square. The gallery behind him was nearly full; the right side, empty. A 49th Precinct sergeant was on the witness stand, identifying the drugs seized that night. But on cross she was asked if she knew if Beltran lived in the raided apartment. She did not.

On September 13, the cooperator on the witness stand was cross-examined about, among other things, getting back into drug dealing the day after he was released from prison, then cutting the cooperation deal. On January 5, 2021 he pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilos or more of cocaine, with a ten year minimum, maximum life.

  But on cross he acknowledged he never planned for five kilos -- "if I'd managed to stay out I might have gotten there," he said. Then why, with only three years left on his state sentence, did he agree to this plea to ten to life?

It also emerged he couldn't say it was Beltran who put drugs in the jacket passed under the table of a restaurant on Fordham Road in The Bronx, or into the trunk of his car outside.

On September 14, with defendant Yeltsin Beltran greeting those in the gallery behind him, the prosecutor put an NYPD detective on the stand, to describe the victim Ramon Encarnacion bloody in Lincoln Hospital, and the afterhours location on 149th Street by Courtlandt Avenue.

On September 15, Beltran's lawyer was cross examining a member of the police team which made undercover drug buys. He defined "ghosting" and admitted that their CI was himself selling crack and so was "deactivated."

The trial continues.

The case is US v. Haxhaj et al., 21-cr-17 (Failla)

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September 11, 2023

Kai Johnson For Murder of 2 In The Bronx Pled Guilty Now US Attorney Asks for 40 Years

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell Book
BBC-Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN NY Mag

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 6 – Kai Johnson of Soundview in The Bronx is charged with the murder of Price and Malik Tunstall on August 21, 2021.             

     On April 11, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Lewis J. Liman held a proceeding. Inner City Press went and covered it.  Johnson was in an orange WDOC jumpsuit and accompanied by two U.S. Marshals.

It is a capital case and the prosecutor said they are preparing to make their recommendation to Main Justice whether to seek the death penalty. 

 For that reason, Johnson's lawyer opposed setting a trial date or even motion schedule, insteading asking for another status conference in 90 days.

In January 2023 Johnson pleaded guilty, with a plea deal for a 40 year sentence.

On September 6, 2023 the US Attorney's Office wrote to Judge Liman that "a sentence of 40 years' imprisonment is necessary to comply with the goals of sentencing." The defense is asking for... 30 years. Johnson is 28 years old.

The case is US v. Johnson, 22-cr-191 (Liman)

September 4, 2023

As Man Who Fired 11 Shots At Bronx Nightclub Gets 87 Months Screaming in the Courtroom

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 28 – Jonathan Laureano fired 11 shots at a crowd outside a Bronx nightclub on September 10, 2022. He was up for sentencing on August 28, 2023 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Inner City Press is covering the case, and went to the sentencing, which ended in screaming from the gallery and in the hall.

   The SDNY prosecutors wanted the top of the guideline for felon in possession of ammunition: 87 months.

  The defense wanted 48 months, citing Laureano's history. They say his mother Milagros Carrero was drug addicted and died when he was 16.  "His father re-established contact, and moved into the family's apartment," then moved out, abandoning Jonathan and his brother, Carlos. "Carlos has not survived this trauma any better than Jonathan; he is currently incarcerated in New Jersey." 

 While that is sourced to the Pre-Sentencing Report, the defense objects to the PSR: "his unmentioned sister, Mayling Carrero, is 30 and lives in Connecticut. Also, one sister is named Taisha Laureano, not Tisha, and is 38, not 41; and his brother, John Cruz, is 41 or 42, not 40." The PSR is, of course, sealed.

 On August 28, Inner City Press went to the sentencing. In the gallery were relatives, including the mother of Laureano's son. Judge Caproni pointed out that the shooting happened soon after his son's birth, and sentenced him to 87 months. His son's mother shouted and ran out into the hall. Court Security Officers were called; a person on the elevator said, This is exciting.

The case is  US v. Laureano, 22-cr-670 (Caproni)

More, from Endless Sentences on Substack here

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August 28, 2023

Bronx Bodega Robbery in May Yields Murder Charge against Rodney Spratley Now in SDNY

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Aug 24 – Rodney Spratley, while robbing a Bronx bodega at 1665 Topping Avenue in May, shot a man in the hip.

 At the time, the man was expected to survive. But he was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital on 183rd Street. 

   On August 24, 2023 Spratley was presented before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag court. 

 The charge, now, included murder. The victim died, and the case was entirely sealed until the presentment, no announcement of which was made. 

  At the time of arrest, Spratley's mother said "He’s a good kid, maybe a little lost and confused. I can’t say he’s had a perfect life. None of us have. But I broke my back to give him everything. He’s a little troubled now, I guess.”  

And indicted for murder. The robbery yielded $1200.

The case is US v. Spratley, 23-cr-283