NEW YORK, NY (PRESS RELEASE) – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for slashing and assaulting six men in two days in August 2020.
District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant brutally attacked six men within two days in unprovoked, senseless acts. Two of the victims were 65 and 75 years old. Bronx residents have the right to walk freely in their communities without fearing for their safety. This sentencing brings justice for the victims.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, JayQawn Byers, 24, was sentenced on July 26, 2022 by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus to 16 years in prison and five years of postrelease supervision on each of the six counts of first-degree Assault to which he pleaded guilty.
The sentences will run concurrently. The defendant pleaded guilty to six counts of first-degree Assault on June 27, 2022. According to the investigation, on August 5, 2020 on Baychester Avenue, Byers slashed Anthony Gibbs, 59, on the left side of his neck and face. The victim’s wound required 24 stitches.
Approximately five hours later, on White Plains Road, the defendant approached Michael Solnik, 65, from behind and slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim received 20 stitches. Approximately 20 minutes later, Byers approached Danny Estus, 45, who was walking down the street on White Plains Road and slashed him in the neck.
According to the investigation, on August 6, 2020, at approximately 6 p.m. on White Plains Road, the defendant approached Shamil Mohamed, 40, and slashed him in the neck and mouth.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the defendant approached Jose Baez, 38, on White Plains Road and slashed him in the face. Shortly after that, the defendant approached Ramon Capellan, 75, who was sitting outside on his walker. Byers demanded money from Capellan, then slashed the
victim in the neck, face, and arm.