In Queens, District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the arraignment of Kenny Panama for the murder of 43-year-old Mauro Chimbay, who lost his life while attempting to prevent the defendant from fleeing in a BMW allegedly stolen property.
Charged with murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and multiple counts of robbery and other offenses, Panama, 36, of Middle Village, faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted. Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder set the next court date for April 2.
According to the charges and video surveillance, on November 15, 2023, Panama smashed the rear window of Chimbay’s Toyota Highlander and allegedly stole property from it. Chimbay, attempting to thwart the theft, jumped on the hood of the BMW, but tragically lost his life when the vehicle sped off down a Jackson Heights street.