Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of WILLIE GOMEZ, 49, to 14 years in state prison for viciously attacking two strangers with a knife without any provocation while onboard the M100 bus in West Harlem. On September 26, 2023, GOMEZ pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to Assault in the First Degree.
“Willie Gomez inflicted serious harm on the victims of his unprovoked attack. No New Yorker should fear for their safety while using public transportation, and today’s sentencing once against demonstrates that we will not accept violence against straphangers,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I know that the victims are still suffering from the impact of their injuries and hope that they can continue to recover and find some measure of peace in today’s sentencing.”
On May 5, 2020, at approximately 2:40 p.m., GOMEZ boarded the M100 bus on the corner of West 129th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and stabbed a 58-year-old man several times in his head and face. GOMEZ then approached a 44-year-old man and stabbed him roughly two times in the leg.
Both victims required dozens of stitches for their injuries. The first victim still has visible scars from the attack, while the second has difficulty walking and used a cane for several months.
Assistant D.A. Kathleen Coulson handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Bureau Chief Robert Ferrari (Trial Bureau 40), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Former Assistant D.A. Paul Mezan also contributed significantly to this prosecution.
District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD Housing PSA 6 and the 26th Precinct Detective Squad, particularly Officer Andy Alban and Detective Vincent Signoretti.
Defendant Information:
WILLIE GOMEZ
Bronx, NY
Convicted:
- Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 14 years in state prison, 5 years post-release supervision
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