Search Results for: queens
Isaiah Stokes Receives 25-Year Sentence for 2021 Murder in Queens
Isaiah Stokes Receives 25-Year Sentence for 2021 Murder
**Queens, NY** – On Wednesday, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing of Isaiah Stokes, who received 25 years to life imprisonment following his conviction for the murder of Tyrone Jones. The murder occurred on February 7, 2021, when Jones, seated in his parked Jeep Cherokee in St. Albans, was fatally shot. This act of violence was allegedly in retaliation for a dispute that transpired during Jones’ birthday celebration in October 2020.
According to District Attorney Katz, the defendant sought revenge after being ejected from the party. Stokes placed a GPS device on Jones’ vehicle weeks prior to the shooting, tracking his movements. On February 7, Stokes located Jones, discharged his firearm into the vehicle 11 times, and struck the victim in the head and chest, leading to Jones’ immediate death.
A jury found the 45-year-old Stokes guilty of second-degree murder and weapon possession charges on March 7, following a trial that began on February 13. Justice Kenneth Holder delivered the sentence on Wednesday.
The investigation revealed that Stokes’ motive stemmed from a confrontation at Jones’ birthday
Queens Supreme Court to hear case on stolen homes, real estate fraud
Four Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Homes in Queens
**Queens, NY** – Four men and three companies have been charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and other crimes related to the alleged theft of three homes in Queens neighborhoods. Carl Avinger, Autumn Valeri, Lawrence T. Ray, and Torey Guice surrendered on Tuesday and were arraigned for their alleged roles in a fraud scheme involving falsified documents and false deeds recorded from March to July 2023.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the defendants targeted properties to commit theft, forged documents, and filed false instruments with the city to illegally obtain homes. Avinger, Valeri, and Ray were arraigned on a 47-count indictment involving multiple charges, while Guice faced charges on the same indictment with slightly fewer accusations.
Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng has ordered the defendants to appear in court again on April 29. If convicted, Ray and Valeri could face up to 25 years in prison, Avinger faces up to 25 years as well, and Guice could see a sentence ranging from five to 15 years.
The fraudulent activities in question include filing false deed transfers for properties in
