Queens, NY – In a shocking development, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Gyasi Denis, 35, of Far Rockaway, on murder charges following the brutal beating death of a 64-year-old man. The incident occurred within the victim’s apartment in Far Rockaway, with Denis accused of returning to the scene to steal the victim’s bank card after committing the murder.
District Attorney Katz condemned the act, highlighting the “cold-blooded callousness” of returning to the crime scene to commit theft as a particularly chilling aspect of the case. Denis has been indicted on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree grand larceny, and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
If convicted, Denis faces a significant prison sentence, potentially 25 years to life. His arraignment is set for February 29 in Queens Supreme Court.
The charges detail a violent encounter between Denis and Calvin Alexander, the victim, at Alexander’s McBride Street residence. Denis reportedly admitted to assaulting Alexander with a wooden object, choking, and biting him on the face between January 30 and February 2. Denis also admitted to returning to the apartment shortly after the murder to steal Alexander’s bank debit card.
Alexander’s body was discovered on February 3, propped up against a wall in a vacant bedroom of his apartment, with signs of a struggle and blood present throughout the room. The case is under investigation by the NYPD’s 101st Precinct Detective Squad.