“As alleged, Dariel Castillo committed two separate acts of violence against strangers just minutes apart, including a brutal stabbing,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Unprovoked, he allegedly repeatedly stabbed a man who simply attempted to enter a subway station. We take attacks in our transit system very seriously and our office will hold those accountable who undermine its safety.”
“Michael Patterson allegedly committed a series of arsons on Manhattan’s public streets,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These dangerous fires extensively damaged public and private property, including five vehicles, and it is fortunate that no one was injured. In Manhattan, we take extremely seriously conduct that endangers our communities – whether to people or to property.”
“We are resolute in our commitment to solving homicides and providing justice to victims and their families, no matter how long it takes,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Thirty years after strangling Sarah Roberts and her daughter Sharon, Larry Atkinson stands convicted by a jury of two counts of murder and will serve decades in prison. Thanks to the skill of our prosecutors and the dogged work of our partners at OCME and the NYPD, there is finally closure for this horrific crime.”
“Dean Whetzel was walking close to his home when his neighbor for the past five decades, Dana Escoffier, allegedly fatally shoved him to the ground,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My thoughts are with Mr. Whetzel’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”
“As alleged, James Rizzo assaulted two women walking on Manhattan sidewalks within less than a week,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Unprovoked, seemingly random assaults on strangers are deeply disturbing, and will remain a focus for our office in 2026.”
