Homicide Investigation Unit

The Homicide Investigation Unit works with investigators to target gangs who commit multiple homicides, especially those that are drug-related. Starting in the early 1980s the District Attorney's Office began to work closely with the NYPD to target the violent drug gangs that were responsible for so much of the violence plaguing Manhattan's neighborhoods. These joint efforts made a difference and led to the formation of the Homicide Investigation Unit. In the decade since the formation of HIU, homicides have been greatly reduced. Nearly 5 times as many people were killed in Manhattan in 1988 as in 1998. The unit's success has been dramatic: since 1991, HIU has removed more than 1,000 gang members from Manhattan precincts.

Gang killers often commit more than one homicide--it is a tragic consequence of their violently competitive drug business. Some estimates identify more than 70% of all homicides as drug related. Thus, removing drug gangs goes a long way toward reducing homicides. The Homicide Investigation Unit has proven this time and time again. Many of Unit's most significant cases have resulted from complex, often time consuming, investigations. The Homicide Investigation Unit, a bureau staffed by senior attorneys, experienced detective investigators, and support staff, has achieved tremendous success. Starting in the early 1980s the New York County District Attorney's Office began to work closely with the police to target the violent drug gangs that were responsible for so much of the deadly violence that plagued Manhattan's neighborhoods. These joint efforts led to the formation of the Homicide Investigation Unit.

In the mid 1990s, HIU prosecuted 136 gang members in Manhattan Valley on the West Side of Manhattan. All of them were convicted, with more than 95 of them sentenced to prison. One gang, the Young Talented Children (YTC), averaged $100,000 per week in crack-cocaine sales. They also trafficked in guns. The removal of YTC, along with eight other gangs, led to a precipitous drop in homicides. In 1993, there were 23 homicides in the 24th precinct. In 1998, only five years later, 2 homicides occurred in the 24th precinct, a reduction of 91%.

Similar success on the Lower East Side has helped to reduce the homicide rate. In the late 1990's, 7 gangs were removed. More than 200 defendants were indicted. In one case, an enforcer of the Red Tiger Gang is suspected of committing as many as 10 homicides. He was convicted of committing three. He has been successfully prosecuted, along with more than 200 other gang members. In 1994, 17 people were killed in the 7th precinct. By 1998, the number had dropped to 2, a reduction of 88%.

Other investigations, conducted by the Homicide Investigation Unit and the Trial Division, concentrated on Washington Heights, once the homicide capital of the city. In 1991 there were 119 homicides in Washington Heights, more than in all of Manhattan in 1998. In 1998 there were only 15 homicides in Washington Heights, a reduction of 87%.