BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM FOR MURDER, DISMEMBERMENT OF HIS MOTHER

Defendant Took Photo With Victim’s Severed Head 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to the maximum of 25 years-to-life in prison for killing his mother and dissecting her body. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant fatally stabbed his mother and then chillingly took photos with her mutilated corpse. A jury found him guilty of murder for these horrific acts and now he will serve the maximum sentence in prison.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Bahsid McLean, 26, of 645 Westchester Avenue, was sentenced today, December 5, 2016, to 25 years-to-life in prison for the murder, to run consecutively with 1 1/3 to four years for the dissection, by New York Court of Claims Justice Jeanette Rodriguez-Morick. McLean was convicted by a jury on November 4, 2016 of second-degree Murder and one count of Public Health Law 4210-A (Unlawful dissection of the body of a human being) after a nearly month-long trial.

  According to trial testimony, on February 25, 2013, McLean stabbed his mother, Tanya Byrd, 45, to death in her Morrisania apartment. He proceeded to dissect Byrd’s body and took a “selfie” photo with her severed head. He discarded her remains in garbage bags inside suitcases, which he dumped in his neighborhood after telling a friend he wanted to take the trash out. 

  The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Aaron Kaplan, Deputy Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau, and Amy Omens, under the supervision of Amy Litwin, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER O’NEILL DISCUSS NOVEMBER CRIME STATISTICS

  Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you very much, Commissioner. I want to offer my congratulations to the men and women of the NYPD – another fantastic month. I want to thank, of course, First Deputy Commissioner Tucker, all the members of the leadership who are here – a lot to be proud of.

It is also a pleasure to be here at the 1st Precinct, where this good work is done every day, keeping the people of this community safe.

What we’re seeing now is precision policing in action. We’re all seeing every single month more and more of the impact of neighborhood policing and the closer bonds between police and community. And that story will continue to grow and make an impact on this city.

Now, I wanted to start by saying one thing that is truly unusual that we’ve experienced in the last month – and it’s something I know is on everyone’s mind. Last month was the first time we had NYPD taking such a crucial role and huge role in providing security around Trump Tower. I know there’s been, legitimately, a lot of concern about how that’s going to play out. And one of those concerns of cost – of course is about the cost of providing the security. And as I’ve said, even though there’s work to be done with the federal government, I remain hopeful because when you look at the history of how the federal government has handled a number of other situations where NYPD has provided extraordinary efforts, such as the papal visit last year, there’s actually a pretty good track record on reimbursement. But we’ve got a lot of work to do.

Today, I’m sending this letter to President Obama to formally initiate the reimbursement process. We are going to be continuing very aggressively in the course of the next few days calls and meetings with members of the Obama administration and members of the Congress to nail down the reimbursements for the time between November 8th and January 20. That will be the responsibility of course of the current administration. So, this letter, and detailed budgetary letters, will go out today. A series of calls and meetings with administration officials and members of Congress will occur in the course of this week.

Further, as I said previously, we have become the process of dialogue with the incoming administration. I called Treasury Secretary-designate Steve Mnuchin to congratulate him, and we had a good conversation, including the fact that he fully understood that there was a real, important discussion to be had on how we deal with reimbursement issues going forward. He’s a native New Yorker. So, I think that is a very helpful reality. But this is the time now to really lean in to nailing down the reimbursement, particularly for the period up to January 20. Let me also note that what we will be asking in the letters today to the President, to the administration officials, to the Congress – we will be asking for up to $35 million in reimbursement for the period November 8th to January 20. That’s, again, up to $35 million for November 8th to January 20.

So back to the situation – November – really again so much for the NYPD to be proud of. Dermot Shea will go into details. But here’s what I want to emphasize. Just looking at this month of November – this 30-day period in 2016 versus the equivalent period one year ago – overall major crimes down 9.9 percent – almost exactly 10 percent decrease in overall major crime. And when you look at it numerically, it is striking. That is the difference between 9,094 major crimes versus 8,194. Hundreds and Hundreds of crimes stopped by the NYPD, meaning a real tangible impact on people’s lives.

Rape is down 20 percent. Robbery is down almost 16 percent. Burglaries are down 22 percent. There are definitely areas where we have to do better. And homicide is one of the them when you look at the month of November. But we know that this approach the NYPD is taking – the precision policing, plus neighborhood policing is more and more paying off, and these numbers are extraordinary. 

Let me also note that we have not yet felt the full effect of the new officers coming on the job. We will get to that full complement – the 2,000 officer increase in terms of real patrol strength won’t be fully felt until January. And then I think you’ll see more and more impact from that addition to that police force – again, the first major addition to our force in 15 years. That’s going to play out more and more after January.

Finally, since it’s been such a part of the national discussion, I want to emphasize this simple fact. Since the height of the previous use of stop-and-frisk – 2011 – stop-and-frisk is now reduced 97 percent. Let me say it again – stop-and-frisk is down 97 percent since the high-water mark in 2011. And what we have seen is consistent drop in crime, and particularly this year – consistent increases in gun seizures by the NYPD. I think that says it all.

Deputy Commissioner for Operations Dermot Shea, NYPD: Good morning, everyone. When we look at November’s numbers, I’m going to be quoting statistics to you as of December 1st. Public Information Office will have all these numbers for distribution. November continued the year-long trend of reduced crime in New York City. Which just under four weeks left to go in 2016, we’re poised to have really historic levels of both index crimes, as well as gun violence seen in New York City. We are not finished. Just as we sit here today, we’re reviewing across the Department – deputy commissioner officers, different bureaus and divisions, all units – to look forward to 2017 – how we can push crime down even further. And we believe that we can.

Issues of data collection, analysis, deployment – with Terry Monahan sitting next to me – with patrol, with Bob Boyce’s detectives and cases, as well as outreach – all areas examined to how we can even push crime further down.

In terms of overall index crime for November, as the Mayor alluded to, we were down nearly 10 percent, or over 900 crimes.

Murder – we recorded 23 murders, versus 22 the prior year. Three of those 23 were re-classifications, which leaves 20 actually occurring this November. The re-classifications – one was from 1993, one from 2003, and one from 2011.

Rape – down 20 percent.

Robbery – 233 fewer robberies this year – down over 15 percent.

Felonious assault – down six percent.

Burglary – down over 22 percent.

And this is across broad sections – different boroughs, different precincts. We’re seeing dramatic crime decreases.

Grand larceny – down nearly five percent.

Stolen vehicles – 54 fewer in New York City. Pushing the record down even further – down 8.8 percent for November.

We saw reductions in transit crime. We saw reductions in housing crime.

In terms of shooting incidents – if you remember last November, we recorded 80 shooting incidents – that was a record at the time, never before seen in New York City since we’ve recorded shooting incidents. Versus that 80, this November we recorded 67 shooting incidents – a reduction of 16.2 percent.

Where does that bring us? Through the first 11 months of November – through November of 2016 – we’re down 3.8 percent overall in index crime. It’s a reduction of over 3,600 index crimes. When you look at shooting incidents, and again, this is through the end of November – we’ve actually gained on these leads.

But through the end of November, we’re down 107 shooting incidents – over ten percent shooting reduction. 936 shootings, which is a lot, and we’re going to push it even lower. But where were we last year? 1,043. We are shattering the prior record in 2013, in terms of shooting incidents in New York City. Murders – down 15 through the end of November for a 4.6 percent reduction.

And I’ll just end quickly as a frequently do mention the enforcement efforts that’s leading to this. Arrests through November 30th – down over 23,500 – just this year. Over two years, we’re down over 21 percent in arrests – far greater number. Something I’ve mentioned before with this reduction in arrests, felony arrests up, gun arrests up over nine percent. We’re not doing this alone. The most important party in all of this is the community and the tips that we are receiving, whether it’s 3-1-1, 9-1-1, whether it’s attending a community council meeting, whether it’s showing up and following up at court with an arrest, so I praise the work that the public and all our prosecutors have in these numbers. We are really, truly not doing this alone. And those are the biggest part. Thank you.

Rep. Engel Wants Bronx Residents to Know Postal Boxes Are Being Replaced Throughout the Borough

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel wants to inform Bronx residents that post office boxes throughout the borough are being replaced with new boxes that are cleaner and cannot be fished for mail – an act of pulling mail out of the box through the slot. Older postal boxes have already been uprooted which may cause an inconvenience for residents, especially during the busy holiday season. Postal officials have told Rep. Engel’s office that the new postal boxes should be in place soon.

“Many of my constituents have been in for a surprise lately as they went to drop letters off at the mail box only to find it wasn’t there,” Congressman Engel said. “The timing of this move is less than auspicious, but in order to protect our mail during the busy holiday season this change had to be made. I will continue to keep in contact with postal officials throughout this process to ensure the boxes are replaced as soon as possible.”

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON THE MURDER OF CORRECTION OFFICER ALASTASIA BRYAN

  Mayor Bill de Blasio made the following statement on the murder if Correction Officer Alastasia Bryan.

  “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Alastasia Bryan – a rising member of New York City’s Department of Correction who was senselessly murdered yesterday in Brooklyn. The NYPD is working aggressively to find the person responsible for this heinous act and will maintain its pursuit until they are brought to justice.”

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Community and Business Leaders Announce Holiday Lights for Morris Park Avenue and Williamsbridge Road

  It was a Big Deal outside the Big Deal Supermarket located on Morris Park Avenue as Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj along with local community activist, local business owners, and members of Community Board 11 announced that there would be holiday lights along Morris Park Avenue and Williamsbridge Road. 

Above - Assemblyman Gjonaj reads from the many contributors to allowing Morris park Avenue to have holiday lights this year. The list includes  State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, the Morris Park Community Association, and local business owners.

Below - Mr. Al D'Angelo of the Morris Park Community Association says a few words of thanks to the elected officials for their help in the placement of the holiday lights this year.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - December Holiday Events Near You

Season's Greetings! All are welcome to join at the numerous holiday events happening in December 2016

Christmas Tree Lighting's & Holiday Celebrations

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 6:00-8:00pm Allerton Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration Boston Garden Tree (Bronxdale Avenue, Allerton Avenue, Boston Road) Bronx NY 10469 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 7:00pm-8:00pm Jerome Gun Hill BID Tree Lighting  Corner of Jerome Avenue & East Mosholu Parkway North Bronx, NY 10467 Thursday, December 8, 2016 6:00pm-8:00pm Community Board 7 Holiday Tree Lighting  Mosholu Parkway & Bainbridge Avenue Bronx NY 10467 Sunday, December 11, 2016 5:00pm Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance  Christmas Tree Lighting  The Covent Cross On Van Nest Avenue Between Unionport Rd and Victor St Bronx NY 10462 Thursday December 15, 2016 Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj & Senator Klein's Christmas Extravaganza  3:30pm Memorial Peace Plaza: Williamsbrigde Road & Pelham Parkway Bronx NY 10461 5:00pm Loreto Park: Morris Park Avenue & Haight Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 Friday, December 16, 2016 5:00pm-8:00pm Westchester Square Bronx, NY 10462 Menorah Lighting Events  Tuesday December 28, 2016 3:30pm  Bronx House  990 Pelham Parkway   Bronx NY 10461 4:30pm  Einstein Hospital   Morris Park Avenue & Eastchester Road  Bronx, NY 10462  5:30pm Memorial Peace Plaza: Williamsbrigde Road & Pelham Parkway Bronx NY 10461 For More Information, please contact 718-409-0109

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Chanukah Package Delivery

Join us at our Annual Project HOPE Chanukah Package Delivery this Sunday, December 11th from 9 AM to 11:30 AM.

Choice of two locations:

Co-op City:                                                

2050 Bartow Avenue                                  

Bronx, NY 10474                                        

Amalgamated Houses

95 Gale Place

Bronx, NY 10463

We Look forward to seeing you there! 

Visit our Website: 

http://www.bjcconline.org/

          and  Like us on Facebook 

ASSEMBLYMEMBER LUIS SEPULVEDA ENDORSES MAYOR DE BLASIO FOR REELECTION

Becomes First State Elected to Endorse Mayor for Second Term 

Above - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda stands with Mayor Bill de Blasio for the second time in four years to once again endorse a mayor who has become his friend at City Hall for re-election.

Below - The mayor and Assemblyman Sepulveda stand with Pastor Dr. Felecia M. Smith and members of the Parkchester Baptist Church.

Citing the mayor’s "on-going efforts and accomplishments," Luis Sepulveda  became the first state Assemblymember - and first Bronx elected official - to endorse Mayor Bill de Blasio for a second term.

"Almost four years ago, I was the one of the first Bronx electeds to endorse then-Public Advocate Bill de Blasio to become mayor," the Assemblymember told the congregation of the Parkchester Baptist Church, led by the Reverend Felecia (cq) Smith, on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. "Since then, he has not failed my faith in, and my expectations of him.

 "Being the mayor of this great, frustratingly difficult-to-manage city has quite accurately been called having the second toughest job in America," Sepulveda told congregants. "And he has done it with amazing grace, dignity, dedication and caring as he leads this wonderfully diverse, dynamic and complicated city, with its multitude of vexing issues - and more-than-occasional crises.

 The Assemblyman noted that under the mayor’s leadership, "Crime is at record lows, jobs are at record highs, and every 4-year-old child in our city has access to universal pre-K. New York City is freezing rents, expanding paid sick leave and minimum wage for workers, and dramatically reducing stop and frisk in our communities of color.”

      

 “Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has stood with us long before it was popular, and it is an honor to have his support in continuing our mission to create a stronger, fairer New York City,” said de Blasio. 

The mayor told the congregation that at his first meeting with Sepulveda, the assemblyman wanted to know not what de Blasio could do for the assemblyman, but what he could do for Sepulveda’s constituents, issue by issue.

"He held my feet to the fire. He's the kind of person who makes you keep your promises," said the Mayor, calling the Assemblyman “a true fighter in Albany not only for his community but for all of New York’s working families. I look forward to building upon the success we’ve been able to create together these past three years and helping move our great city forward.”

Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio thanks Pastor Smith for allowing him to address the church.

Below - Mayor de Blasio begins his speech by talking about the past presidential election.

Above and Below - Throughout his entire speech to the church congregation Mayor de Blasio mentioned that he as mayor of New York City, and the residents of the city should not fear the new president when he says things that can not be done. The mayor says that he and the city will fight for the rights of all its citizens against any policies that may harm the city and any of its residents.

Above - Assemblyman Sepulveda wishes the mayor good bye as the mayor leaves for his next stop.

Below - Assemblyman Sepulveda stayed to answer questions. I asked him if this endorsement of the mayor would mean that he would not be supporting State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., and possibly running for Bronx Borough President. for the 18th City Council district. Assemblyman Sepulveda said that he will be supporting Rev.Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. for the 18th City Council seat, and that he would not be running for Bronx Borough President this year.

 First elected to the Assembly in 2012, Sepulveda represents the 87th Assembly District, covering the Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest, and Park Stratton areas, with large populations of Latinos, African-Americans, and Southeast Asians, particularly from Bangladesh.

He has been a leader in criminal justice reform, advocating to change the culture of distrust between communities of color and police, and to correct racial biases in the criminal justice system.