“David Gonzalez trailed a young woman through East Harlem for several blocks before following her into a nail salon and sexually assaulting her,” said District Attorney Bragg. “In the span of just two minutes, he attacked her, sexually assaulted another patron, and terrified everyone in that salon. Her fellow New Yorkers rallied around her and were able to chase him out of the store. I thank them all for their courage, and particularly the two survivors who bravely took the stand to testify at trial.” 

“Maria Kelly’s life was taken too soon when her husband viciously pummeled her in the head with a crowbar while on her way to work, leaving her for dead on the street,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Now, Julio Aponte is facing significant accountability for this chilling and horrific attack. I hope that this sentence brings Ms. Kelly’s family, friends and loved ones a sense of relief, comfort and justice.”

“Lauren Pazienza aggressively shoved Barbara Gustern to the ground and walked away as the beloved New Yorker lay there bleeding. Today’s plea holds Pazienza accountable for her deadly actions,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We continue to mourn the loss of Barbara Gustern, a talented musical theater performer and vocal coach who touched so many in New York City and beyond.”

“As alleged, this driver injured seven people and put the safety of many other New Yorkers at risk as he recklessly careened throughout Midtown during rush hour. I am wishing all the victims in this incident a quick and speedy recovery from their injuries,” said District Attorney Bragg.