Covid-19: Mount Vernon Man Indicted By First Empaneled Grand Jury

After being delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino announced several indictments on recent homicides that happened during the pandemic.

Four men have been charged for their roles in the deaths of four people in Westchester during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Credit: *File*

Zak Failla

08/17/2020 1:40 p.m.

Scarpino announced that four suspects have been indicted on murder and manslaughter charges for their roles in four deaths between Friday, March 27, and Wednesday, May 27.

Peekskill resident Jahliv Niles has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon for the alleged fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Omarion McKenzie on Friday, March 27.

Original story - IDs Released For Victim, Suspect In Fatal Northern Westchester Stabbing

Niles is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Manhattan resident Eric Greer was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly shooting White Plains resident Mark Payton in Yonkers on Wednesday, April 8.

Original story - Man Charged In Fatal Shooting During Argument Outside Westchester Apartment Complex

Greer is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Aug. 31.

Mount Vernon resident Akeem Palmer has been charged with manslaughter, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing after allegedly shooting Ryan Solomon in the torso on Sunday, April 26.

Original story - Westchester Man Charged With Murder For Fatal Shooting

Palmer is also scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31.

White Plains resident Brandon Williams has been charged with murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly shooting and killing a man behind a housing complex in White Plains.

Original story - Fatal Shooting Suspect Nabbed At Hotel In Westchester

Williams is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

All four men were arraigned on Monday, Aug. 17 following indictments for unrelated murders, which have taken place in the county in the last few months, Scarpino said.

All four appeared before Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace via video conferences.

“The unique challenges brought on by COVID-19 have made investigating and prosecuting crimes more difficult,” Scarpino said. “I commend our staff including our assistant district attorneys and all our support personnel for the work they have done to bring these cases to the grand jury.

“In addition, I want to thank the grand jurors who have taken their civic duty seriously and responsibly voted on these charges. It takes all of us, along with law enforcement agencies, to work toward keeping Westchester safe.”

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