“As alleged, these defendants deliberately targeted a rival in an organized quest for vengeance, and now two families are mourning the loss of their loved ones,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This indictment once again shows how the easy availability of firearms continues to plague our communities. I thank our skilled prosecutors and our NYPD partners for their work to quickly identify the connection between these murders and put together this multi-faceted case.”

“As alleged, Messiah Nantwi murdered two people in a span of 27 hours, and the family and loved ones of these victims are now suffering deep pain and trauma. Gun violence tears at the fabric of our neighborhoods, and I join those mourning the loss of these two men,” said District Attorney Bragg.  

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Duran, and for her three children who are now without their mother,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These utterly horrific allegations demonstrate how quickly intimate-partner violence can turn fatal – particularly when there is a gun in the home. Time and again, we see that the most dangerous time in a relationship is when a woman attempts to leave. I urge anyone who needs assistance to contact our office by contacting our Intimate-Partner & Sexual Violence Bureau at 212-335-4308.”

“As alleged, these defendants robbed several Manhattan smoke shops and threatened the lives of hardworking store clerks,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will continue to stand up for the safety of our workers and will not allow smoke shops to become magnets for violent crime.”

“Kimond Cyrus allegedly murdered Sueng Chul Choi in a brutal, chilling act of violence,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Bodegas are essential threads woven throughout our Manhattan communities. We mourn the tragic loss of Mr. Choi and will continue to use every tool at our disposal to keep our hardworking bodega and deli workers safe.”