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Joel Thompson, 24, of Yonkers, was in court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, to stand trial for the murder of 16-year-old Madysen Denman in December 2017. He’s charged with second-degree murder, and attempted second-degree murder.
If convicted, Thompson will face a sentence of between 25 years and life in prison.
Police said that the fatal hit-and-run took place at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 20 2017, when police 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 is 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 allegedly exchanged words regarding their cuts from the scheme over social media and through text messages before a physical fight later broke out. Thompson allegedly then got into his car and drove into Denman and her boyfriend.
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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