Bronx Drug Dealer Charged With 2012 Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ELIJAH BILAL, a/k/a “Karate Kid,” with the April 15, 2012, murder of Terrance Martin, 25, in the Bronx, New York.  BILAL was arrested this morning and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in federal court later today.  This case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul J. Oetken.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Elijah Bilal murdered Terrance Martin nine years ago in connection with his drug dealing.  Now, thanks to the outstanding work of the NYPD, the defendant has been charged with this heinous crime.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Today’s charges demonstrate that the investigative efforts of New York City law enforcement are far-reaching, precisely-focused, and patient.  As long as individuals are involved in the sale of illegal narcotics and gun violence, the NYPD and our partners will work to stop the threat to public safety.  I commend and thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District for their assistance in bringing Elijah Bilal to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:

On April 15, 2012, in the vicinity of 285 East 156th Street in the Bronx, New York, BILAL shot and killed Martin in connection with a conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.

BILAL, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.  The maximum and minimum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.