D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Unprovoked Murder And Robbery In Chelsea

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of IMANI MCCOLLEY, 25, for allegedly murdering and robbing 60-year-old Lawrence Parente outside a store in Chelsea on October 11, 2026. MCCOLLEY is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with two counts each of Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree. He is additionally charged with one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree for allegedly damaging a New York City Police Department vehicle. [1]

“Lawrence Parente was allegedly murdered in a brutal and unprovoked act of violence on a Manhattan sidewalk,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Imani McColley violently assaulted Mr. Parente, senselessly ending the life of a beloved New Yorker. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and this indictment marks an important step toward holding the defendant accountable and securing justice for Mr. Parente’s loved ones, who are still grappling with his devastating death.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on October 11, 2026, at approximately 9:06 p.m., near West 20th Street and Eighth Avenue, MCCOLLEY entered a store he was previously banned from. He began arguing with the store employees, who asked him to leave. While they were arguing, Mr. Parente entered the store and attempted to walk past MCCOLLEY. Without provocation, MCCOLLEY allegedly grabbed him by the neck, forced him outside and pushed him to the ground.

MCCOLLEY then allegedly stomped on Mr. Parente’s head several times while he lay on the sidewalk, before reaching into his pockets to steal his belongings, including his wallet and cellphone.

MCCOLLEY allegedly walked away as Mr. Parente lay on the ground. Mr. Parente was eventually transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead from blunt force trauma to his head and neck.

Approximately 50 minutes later, police officers spotted and arrested MCCOLLEY near the store. While under arrest, MCCOLLEY allegedly kicked and damaged a rear window of an NYPD patrol car. Officers also found Mr. Parente’s wallet in his possession.

Assistant D.A.s Nicholas Penfold and John Babcock are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Siobhan Carty (Chief of Trial Bureau 80), and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Henry Irwin (Trial Bureau 80) and Investigative Analyst Tea Rufino (Trial Bureau 80) are providing invaluable assistance in the case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Gene Ruda and officer Jennifer Carusso (10th Precinct Detective Squad); Lieutenant Roger Ordonez and officer Gary Bonillabonilla (10th Precinct); Detective Albert Vitarelli (Detective Borough Manhattan South Homicide Squad); and Detective Charles Morro.

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.