NCJ Number
210373
Journal
Global Crime Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 222-229
Date Published
May 2004
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article is the lead investigator's account of the investigation of a drug-related double homicide in Washington Heights (New York City) in October 1988.
Abstract
At the time of the murders, Washington Heights, an area of Upper Manhattan, was pervaded with drug dealers and drug peddlers. The two murder victims lived in Connecticut and aspired to become drug peddlers in their hometown by using drug suppliers in Washington Heights. They failed to consider the danger involved in dealing with people for whom violence and guns were a routine method for solving problems. The crime scene typically offered little evidence other than a few rounds and some blood stains. Through witnesses that had contact with the victims at some point that night, the detective was able to identify a suspect, but he could not be located. A fingerprint match enabled the detective to monitor any future arrests of the suspect. Some years later a routine check found that the suspect was in custody. One witness identified him in a lineup. This was not sufficient for an arrest in the two murders. Still, the suspect was sentenced to 6 years in prison for the current offense. During this period, the detective and prosecutors continued to build the case against him for the two murders. This included the discovery of a new witness who had been in the apartment when the two boys were shot. Based upon her testimony and that of another witness, a guilty verdict was rendered.