Mount Vernon Man Faces Murder and Arson Charges

Leo Canega

WESTCHESTER, NY – A Mount Vernon resident, Akeem Grant, 33, was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and first-degree arson before Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace on Thursday.

Grant is accused of the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Mark Hudson in a residential neighborhood of Mount Vernon on April 23, 2023, and subsequently setting the victim’s home on fire. Firefighters responding to the blaze discovered Hudson’s body.

The accused reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended by Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) in a joint operation with the New York State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Today’s arraignment sends a clear message: acts of violence and destruction will not be tolerated in Westchester County,” District Attorney Miriam Rocah said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mark Hudson. We will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served in this case.”


According to MVPD Detective Lt. Robert Wuttke, Grant and Hudson were acquainted, but the motive behind the alleged murder and arson is still under investigation. If convicted, Grant could face life in prison without parole.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail. Grant’s defense attorney, Harold Steinberg, argued that the case against his client is purely circumstantial and that there are no eyewitnesses or conclusive evidence linking Grant to the crimes.

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