A judge's gavel - file photo
A judge's gavel - File Photo

Queens man sentenced after grisly double family murder

Elmhurst man gets 50 years to life for brutal murders of mother and brother

QUEENS, NY — A Queens man who turned his family’s home into a crime scene of unimaginable violence will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced for murdering his mother and brother in East Elmhurst.

Roscoe Danielson, 42, of 104th Street, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of killing his 31-year-old brother, Kyle Danielson, and his mother, 58-year-old Cheryl Myrick, in July 2023. Prosecutors said Danielson stabbed his mother 38 times and his brother 50 times before shooting him in the torso. He then concealed Kyle’s body in a garbage bag, dragged it from the home, and left it on a nearby curb.

The grim discovery came on July 5 when police responded to reports of a foul odor coming from a trash bag outside 32-41 104th Street. Inside, officers found Kyle Danielson’s decomposing remains wrapped in plastic and blankets. Hours later, a search of the family home revealed Myrick’s body in an upstairs bedroom. Both victims had been killed the day before, on July 4.

Danielson was arrested that evening after being seen pushing a stroller with his young son and carrying a black bag containing a 9mm handgun and a knife. Following his conviction in September, Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder imposed the maximum sentence permitted by law.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the case one of the most disturbing her office had ever prosecuted, describing the murders as “grisly and senseless.” Katz said she hoped the sentence offered “a measure of solace” to the victims’ grieving family.

The case was handled by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Zawistowski of the Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys John Kosinski, Karen Ross, and Jonathan Selkowe, and Executive Assistant District Attorney Shawn Clark.


Key Points

  • Roscoe Danielson, 42, of East Elmhurst, was sentenced to 50 years to life for killing his mother and brother.
  • Prosecutors said he stabbed both victims multiple times and hid his brother’s body in a garbage bag.
  • The victims, Cheryl Myrick and Kyle Danielson, were found dead on July 5 after police received a call about a foul odor.
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News