Defendant Attacked Eight Men Within Four Days
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on a total of 66 charges--including multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Assault and Robbery charges--for viciously slashing and assaulting eight people in the Bronx.
District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who allegedly has ties to the Bloods, attacked nine people in the Bronx during a span of four days, slashing most of them in the neck. The defendant mostly targeted men over the age of 50, with the two oldest victims being ages 65 and 75 years old. We will seek justice for the victims in these unprovoked attacks; and for Bronx residents who have the right to walk freely in their communities without fearing for their safety.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, JayQawn Byers, 22, of 4331 Byron Avenue, was arraigned today on 66 counts, including seven counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, 15 counts of first-degree Assault, 16 counts of second-degree Assault, seven counts of thirddegree Assault, Attempted Assault in the third degree, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of Attempted Robbery in the first degree, second and third-degree Robbery, Attempted Robbery in the second and third degree, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, Attempted Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Petit Larceny, Attempted Petit Larceny, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and seven counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on June 25, 2021.
According to the investigation, on August 4, 2020 at 888 Hunts Point Avenue, Byers approached his first victim, Earl Harrell, 55, and allegedly knocked him down to the ground. He then allegedly kicked Harrell in the head multiple times while he laid on the floor. When the victim lost consciousness, Byers allegedly took Harrell’s money and wallet and fled the scene. The victim suffered traumatic brain injury and was in a coma.
According to the investigation, on August 5, 2020 at 346 Baychester Avenue, Byers allegedly approached and slashed Anthony Gibbs, 59, on the left side of his neck and face. The victim sought treatment at a local hospital and received 24 stitches. Approximately five hours later, at 2134 White Plains Road, the defendant allegedly approached Michael Solnik, 65, from behind and slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim received 20 stitches. Approximately 20 minutes later, Byers approached Danny Estus, 45, who was walking down the street on White Plains Road, and allegedly slashed him in the neck.
According to the investigation, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020, in front of 3821 White Plains Road, the defendant approached Shamil Mohamed, 40, and allegedly slashed him in the neck and mouth. Approximately 30 minutes later, the defendant approached Jose Baez, 38, on White Plains Road and allegedly slashed him in the face. Shortly after Byers attacked Baez, the defendant approached Ramon Capellan, 75, who was sitting outside on his walker. Byers allegedly demanded money from Capellan, then slashed the victim in the neck, face, and arm.
The defendant was arrested on August 7, 2020. While in custody, Byers allegedly punched a detainee, Lamont Odom, 48, who was inside the holding pen with him at the 47th Precinct.
District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Robert Regnier, Michael Simpson, Kevin Mockel and NYPD Officer Edwin Vega, all of the 47th Precinct. District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Dwayne Leeshue of the 41st Precinct, NYPD Detective Robinson Martinez of the 49th Precinct, and NYPD Detective Jonathan Virtuoso of the 45th Precinct for their assistance in the investigation.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
