“Jelani Parker was sentenced to twelve years in state prison for setting a Hamilton Heights apartment building on fire, leaving 35 families without homes and injuring three brave firefighters,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New Yorkers deserve to have safe homes, and shouldn’t have to fear arsonists setting their homes ablaze. I thank the heroic firefighters for responding to the scene and collaborating with our office to keep Manhattanites safe.”

“Geraldo Balbuena brutally murdered his wife of 50 years, viciously stabbing her in the apartment they shared,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Leonilda Nuez Balbuena was a cherished member of her family, and her life should not have ended in such an egregious and reprehensible act of intimate partner violence. For his actions, Balbuena will serve a lengthy prison term, and my thoughts remain with the family as they continue to grieve this devastating loss.”

“As alleged, Alon Riabichev brutally murdered Lev Vayner, an 80-year-old neighbor who opened his home to Mr. Riabichev when he didn’t have secure housing,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Riabichev allegedly took advantage of his hospitality in the most brutal way and repeatedly, fatally stabbed him. This ruthless murder is beyond devastating, and my thoughts are with Mr. Vayner’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss.” 

“The thousands of families that visit Manhattan during the holiday season deserve to be safe while shopping and celebrating with their loved ones,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Kerri Aherne carried out a horrific and unprovoked stabbing of a mother who was simply caring for her 10-month-old baby. This tourist was attacked inside one of the city’s largest and most frequented department stores, posing public safety implications for employees, visitors, and New Yorkers alike. I wish the victim a swift recovery.”

“This alleged attempted murder is absolutely heinous,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The defendant allegedly sought to evade accountability for more than eight months by immediately flying overseas to Egypt but was eventually apprehended thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors and the NYPD. I know the victim has suffered excruciatingly painful injuries as a result of this incident, and I hope he can continue to improve and recover.”