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Joel Thompson, 25, of Yonkers, was found guilty by a jury of second-degree murder for his role in the death of 16-year-old Yonkers resident Madysen Denman, and two counts of attempted murder in the attempted murder of two others, following a lengthy trial, the Westchester District Attorney’s Office announced.
Police said that the fatal hit-and-run took place at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2017, when officers responded to a call for a dispute in the vicinity in the area of Neppherhan and Ashburton avenues in Yonkers, Police Sgt. Dean Politopoulos said.
It was alleged that Denman and Thompson were involved in a check-cashing scheme, and the two got into an argument before the fall crash, prosecutors said.
Thompson, Denman, and her boyfriend exchanged words regarding their cuts from the scheme over social media and through text messages before a physical fight later broke out. Thompson then got into his car and drove onto the sidewalk, into Denman and her boyfriend.
Neither of Thompson's potential victims, Omar Ramos and Monty Anthony, were injured.
Denman was pinned against a wall after being struck by Thompson, suffering head and internal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police conducted a canvas in the area, and patrol officers were able to apprehend Thompson without further incident on Saw Mill River Road.
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