Teenagers Charged with Murder in Brooklyn Police Collision

Prosecutors in Brooklyn have charged five teenagers with felony murder and other crimes in connection with the death of a police officer who was killed in a collision while responding to a robbery call. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning near Prospect Park in Park Slope, Brooklyn. According to the authorities, the teenagers were accused of attempting to rob a 41-year-old man on the street, and the police were chasing them when the two police vehicles crashed, killing Officer Jose Perez, 28. The prosecution's theory is that if the teenagers had not tried to commit the robbery and had not tried to flee, the police officer would not have died.

Key Takeaways:

• The five teenagers charged with murder are Lavelle Huntley, 16, of Queens; DeWitt Garrison, 16, of Brooklyn; Edward Baker, 17, of Brooklyn; Lamont Jenkins, 16, of Brooklyn; and Welby Espert, 17, of Brooklyn.
• The teenagers are charged with felony murder, attempted robbery, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
• The fatal crash occurred when two police vehicles were racing to a call for help from other officers responding to a reported robbery.
• Officer Jose Perez, the officer killed in the crash, was driving a police van that collided with a patrol car.
• Three other officers were injured in the crash, with one, Teresa Reams, remaining hospitalized in satisfactory condition at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan.
• The case has raised questions about the application of felony murder laws and the responsibility of the accused in fatal accidents.
• The District Attorney's office has cited a recent New York State Court of Appeals decision upholding the murder conviction of a man who robbed a Manhattan restaurant, resulting in the death of a pursuing officer.

Statistics:

• 2 police vehicles crashed, resulting in the death of Officer Jose Perez (28 years old) and injuring 3 other officers.
• 4 officers were injured in the crash, with 1 remaining hospitalized in satisfactory condition.
• 17 stitches were required for the 41-year-old victim of the attempted robbery.
• The punishment for felony murder, on conviction, includes a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in prison and a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

Sources:

• "Prosecutors Charge Five Teenagers in Brooklyn Police Officer's Death," The New York Times, [no date mentioned]
• Mr. Clark, a spokesman for District Attorney Charles J. Hynes of Brooklyn, as quoted in The New York Times article.
• The New York State Court of Appeals, ruling on a case involving Eddie Matos, convicted of robbery, New York Law Journal, [no date mentioned]