Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the prison sentence of VINCENT PINKNEY, 30, to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing 30-year-old Columbia University graduate student Davide Giri and attacking two other men in three separate, unprovoked knife attacks in Upper Manhattan on December 2, 2021. On July 10, 2026, PINKNEY pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme court to one count of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

“Vincent Pinkney brutally attacked three unsuspecting strangers in within 30 minutes,” said District Attorney Bragg. “During this attack, he murdered Davide Giri, a brilliant and talented young man with so much life ahead of him. Mr. Giri’s death sent shock waves throughout an entire community and devastated his family, classmates, teachers, teammates and friends. My thoughts remain with Mr. Giri’s family and the surviving victims, who were left with ongoing trauma. I hope this accountability brings closure while allowing the community to honor Mr. Giri’s life and legacy.”

As admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, on December 2, 2021, at approximately 10:52 p.m., PINKNEY approached Mr. Giri near West 123rd Street between Morningside and Amsterdam Avenues. PINKNEY then stabbed him in the chest. Mr. Giri ran away and collapsed on the ground moments later. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

At approximately 11:05 p.m., PINKNEY approached a 27-year-old man near West 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue. PINKNEY stabbed him several times in the back and torso, puncturing his kidney and spleen. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

At approximately 11:15 p.m., PINKNEY lunged with the knife at a 29-year-old man, who was walking his dog with his girlfriend, near the northeast corner of Central Park. PINKNEY missed, and the victim flagged down nearby police officers, who arrested PINKNEY a few minutes later. Officers recovered the knife from PINKNEY’s hoodie pocket.

Assistant D.A. Molly Presant handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Nicole Blumberg (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Assistant D.A. Danielle Turcotte (Trial Bureau 40) assisted in the prosecution. Assistant D.A. Alec Simon previously provided invaluable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department (NYPD), particularly the officers from the 26th and 24th Precincts.

Defendant Information:

VINCENT PINKNEY

New York, NY

Convicted:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, two counts

Sentenced:

• 25 years-to-life in state prison

 

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