queens

Queens Plaza subway attacker convicted of brutal hammer assault on commuter

Queens plaza subway attacker convicted of brutal hammer assault on commuter - photo licensed by shore news network.

Queens Plaza Subway Attacker Convicted of Robbery and Assault

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the conviction of William Blount for robbery in the first degree, assault in the first degree, and other charges. Blount attacked a woman with a hammer as she entered the Queens Plaza subway station in Long Island City in 2022, stealing her tote bag.

Blount, 60, whose last known address was in Manhattan, was convicted of assault, robbery, and weapon possession. He was acquitted of attempted murder charges following a six-week trial that began on February 24, presided over by Supreme Court Justice John Zoll. Sentencing is set for May 7, with a possible sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison.

During the February 2022 incident, Blount attacked a 58-year-old woman, causing her multiple skull fractures. The victim received medical attention, including a bilateral craniectomy, and suffered a broken finger among other injuries.

Investigation led to Blount’s arrest and the recovery of a hammer and the victim’s belongings at a residence in Long Island City. Video surveillance tracked Blount’s movements, and DNA evidence linked him to the crime. The case

Three Indicted for 2019 Stabbing Death of 17-Year-Old in Queens

Handcuffs

Three Indicted for 2019 Stabbing Death of 17-Year-Old in Queens

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the indictment of Tianna Benjamin, Charles Gillespie, and Kyra Tyrell by a grand jury in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Talasia Cuffie in November 2019. The charges include murder, weapon possession, and conspiracy. Cuffie was attacked following a memorial basketball game for another victim, Aamir Griffin, unrelated to her death. The attack was driven by a mistaken belief that Cuffie was pregnant with Gillespie’s child.

According to the DA’s statements, Cuffie was persuaded to visit a residential block by the defendants and then stabbed in the abdomen and groin. She was left severely injured on the sidewalk and later died in the hospital. The Queens District Attorney’s Office emphasized its dedication to seeking justice for Cuffie and her family.

The individuals charged are Benjamin, aged 29, from Jamaica; Gillespie, aged 24, from Jamaica; and Tyrell, aged 22, from Brooklyn. They face charges of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and conspiracy. Benjamin and Tyrell

Queens Man Convicted in 2022 Triple Homicide

Nypd crime scene investigative unit.

Queens Man Convicted in 2022 Triple Homicide

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the conviction of Travis Blake for murder in the first degree and other charges related to the deaths of his girlfriend and two of her family members. The victims were found with puncture and blunt force wounds in a decomposed state at their home in Jamaica in June 2022.

District Attorney Katz described the incident as a “stabbing rampage” that resulted in the deaths of Blake’s girlfriend, her son, and a visiting relative. The bodies were discovered when a resident of the home found one body and called the police, which led to the discovery of two additional victims. The defendant fled the state but was apprehended and brought back to New York, where he was found guilty by a jury.

Blake, 31, residing on 155th Street in Jamaica, was convicted following a trial that lasted three and a half weeks. He was found guilty of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, and Blake faces a possible life sentence without parole.

The trial proceedings began on March 12 and

Isaiah Stokes Receives 25-Year Sentence for 2021 Murder in Queens

Isaiah stokes receives 25-year sentence for 2021 murder in queens - photo licensed by shore news network.

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

Queens supreme court to hear case on stolen homes, real estate fraud - photo licensed by shore news network.

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

Queens Man Indicted for 2021 Fatal Robbery

Handcuffs used during police arrest.

Queens Man Indicted for 2021 Fatal Robbery

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment and arraignment of Jordan Hannah, an FDNY EMT, on first-degree murder charges for a 2021 armed robbery that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Kyle Griffin in Astoria. Griffin was in his Range Rover near 41st Street and 30th Avenue when Hannah and an accomplice reportedly entered the vehicle and demanded personal items before shooting Griffin as he attempted to flee.

Hannah, 26, has been charged with a total of 22 counts, including multiple counts of murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise remanded Hannah and scheduled his next court appearance for April 30. If convicted, Hannah could face life imprisonment without parole.

On April 18, 2021, at approximately 10 p.m., Griffin was parked in front of 40-13 30th Avenue. After being approached by a Jeep Grand Cherokee and subsequently by Hannah and an accomplice, Griffin was shot twice as he tried to drive away and later died at the hospital.

The investigation, led by NYPD detectives, recovered two shell

Duo gets 14 years after vicious assault over parking space in Queens

Duo gets 14 years after vicious assault over parking space in queens - photo licensed by shore news network.

Couple Sentenced for Attempted Murder in Parking Dispute

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing of Arturo Cuevas and Daisy Barrera to 14 years in prison after their guilty plea to attempted murder charges. The charges stem from a March 2023 assault on their 28-year-old neighbor over a parking space conflict.

The defendants pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder before Queens Supreme Court Justice Mary L. Bejarano on January 7. The sentence was delivered after a video of the attack shocked the city.

According to charges, the incident occurred on March 17, 2023, around 3:40 p.m. Cuevas and Barrera attacked their neighbor Wilson Chabla Lliguicota with weapons over a prior parking dispute, resulting in serious injuries.

The attack ended when police arrived, leading to the couple’s arrest after a standoff. Lliguicota, left with severe brain trauma and unable to return to his job, required extensive medical treatment. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexia Campoverde.