BROOKLYN, NY – A Queens man has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter for causing a fatal crash in Crown Heights by running red lights and speeding, announced Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Elijah Lucaine, 25, of Cambria Heights, was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones following his guilty plea on May 15, 2024. The crash, which occurred on March 13, 2023, resulted in the death of David Ellis, 56.
District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized the severity of Lucaine’s actions, stating, “This defendant’s reckless decision to speed and disobey traffic lights cost an innocent man his life and endangered many others. He has now been held accountable for his criminal conduct. I remain committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”
The investigation revealed that at approximately 4:35 p.m., Lucaine was driving a 2015 white Infiniti and was observed running multiple red lights, traveling at high speed, and swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. At around 4:45 p.m., he ran a red light at Crown Street and Nostrand Avenue at approximately 70 mph in a 25 mph zone, t-boning a black Acura driven by Ellis.
Ellis, who was trapped in his car, had to be extricated by the Emergency Services Unit and was taken to Kings County Hospital with severe injuries, including a leg fracture, rib fractures, and a lung contusion. He succumbed to his injuries five days later due to blunt force trauma from the crash.
- Arrest Made Following Violent Dine and Dash in Chinatown
BOSTON, MA – A suspect was arrested and a firearm seized after a dine-and-dash incident escalated to violence in a Chinatown restaurant. Boston Police responded to a larceny call at a Washington St. establishment around 10:15 PM on Saturday, where they encountered multiple witnesses and a pink firearm.
Approximately 25 minutes prior to police arrival, a male and female duo had finished their meal and attempted to leave without paying. The male successfully fled the scene, while the female, after being stopped by staff, brandished a firearm. In the ensuing struggle, a staff member managed to disarm her before she escaped in a vehicle.
During the incident, one person received minor injuries and was treated on-site by Boston EMS. The recovered firearm was identified as a pink .380 caliber semi-automatic, equipped with a Glock magazine and one ejected round from the chamber.
Further investigation revealed the female suspect's social security card and personal belongings at the scene. Zaire Alexander, 24, from Charlestown, turned herself in at the Boston Municipal Court at 12:25 PM on Monday.
- Eight Men Out as Police Uncover Drug and Gun Ring Outside Yankee Stadium
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced the indictment of eight Bronx men on charges related to the sale of firearms, cocaine, and methamphetamine near Yankee Stadium. The defendants are accused of endangering the public by conducting illegal transactions in a highly trafficked area.
District Attorney Clark highlighted the risk posed by the defendants, stating, “The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy. These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Commissioner Caban emphasized the ongoing threat of illegal guns and drugs, praising the efforts of the undercover officer and the collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney's office. “These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said.
The defendants, identified as Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31 (all related), Marvin Fortuna, 29, Ronny Fortuna, 32 (related), Jose Tejada Jr., 26, his father Jose Tejada Sr., 60, and Christian Espinal, 49, are charged in a 108-count indictment. The charges include first-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, and first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm.
The investigation, which led to the recovery of 11 firearms, including an AK-47, and $418,000, culminated in the arraignment of the Tejadas, the Fortunas, and Jonathan Fernandez on July 2, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera.
This indictment reflects the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal trafficking of guns and drugs, ensuring the safety and security of New York City's residents and visitors.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.