“As alleged, this highly structured criminal enterprise is responsible for a wide range of violent and dangerous criminal activity,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Their money-making operation fueled their ability to commit violence and chaos, including, we allege, a double homicide, shootings and multiple gunpoint robberies. The combination of street crime and financial fraud is incredibly dangerous, and we utilized our significant expertise in these areas to unravel this criminal enterprise and hold them accountable.”

“As alleged, Muslim Brunson used a glass bottle to attack two women, almost killing one, who were simply walking in SoHo in the middle of the day,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These unprovoked attacks are deeply disturbing, and I hope the victims continue to heal from these terrifying assaults. Random acts of violence have no place in our city, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep Manhattan safe. I thank the NYPD for its quick response.”

“Julio Ramirez and John Umberger were beloved by their friends and family and had incredibly bright futures ahead of them,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Yet their lives were cut short by these defendants, who displayed a wanton disregard towards their victims. They left both men to die as they used their financial accounts to purchase clothes and sneakers, never once showing concern about the deadly consequences of their actions. We will never be able to undo the tragic losses of Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Umberger, but I hope these significant prison sentences can provide some closure to their loved ones.”

“I hope the victim’s loved ones can take some measure of comfort that this defendant will finally face accountability in New York,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I thank our prosecutors for never wavering from the investigation and doggedly seeking the return of this defendant.” 

“We bring charges when alleged stranger assaults occur,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This defendant is also facing charges for threatening a police officer with a knife, and I want to be clear that we have no tolerance for anyone who threatens members of the NYPD or put them in harm’s way.”