Showing posts with label East Village crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label East Village crime. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

2 East Village residents 'shaken and scared' after assault inside their building

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Two longtime East Village residents are recovering from a beating they suffered inside their building by a group of men who said they were soliciting business for an energy company. 

On Tuesday, March 5, at around 2 p.m., Wayne Rada (pictured above), co-founder of the LISA Project, said he buzzed in two people claiming to be from the "electric company" who came to his fifth-floor apartment to get him to sign up for Brown's Energy Services, an alternative energy supplier based on Staten Island. 

Rada and his husband, LISA Project cofounder Rey Rosa, escorted the two workers to the elevator to show them the first-floor office where they could leave sales material. 

The elevator stopped one floor down, and Rada and Rosa saw four to five more employees who said they were representing the same company.

Rada remarked that the group looked "more like a package theft ring," and Rosa took out his smartphone to photograph the men. At that point, the group allegedly pounced on Rada and Rosa, pushing them into the stairwell while punching and kicking the two. Rada described it as "gleeful rage."

Rosa was able to dial 911 on speakerphone and escape the men's clutches. 

Rada, treated at Bellevue, suffered an orbital fracture of the left ocular bone, a concussion, extensive bruising, and four broken teeth, as well as the loss of a molar. Rosa has strangulation bruises.

Both said they were severely shaken and having a difficult time recovering from the incident. 

Police sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record, confirmed that four men were arrested, and two others have outstanding warrants in connection with this assault. It's not immediately clear if the alleged suspects were actually in the building to pitch renewable energy services or if they were carrying bogus documents.

The suspects left behind photocopied documents, including an ID badge (we blurred the person's name) with Brown's Energy on it ...
During a phone call last Tuesday, Michael Palmese, the owner of Brown's Energy, expressed his shock and horror about the assaults and said that he was not aware of them.

"Unequivocally, we don't have any agents who work for us," he said. "We are a supply company and have only four in-office employees."

Palmese said they will hire third-party marketing companies for in-person pitching, telemarketing, and sales at concerts, sporting events, and other venues. He said he'd get back to us with information about any third-party vendors but had done so by the time of this post. He also did not respond to follow-up calls.

Back in his East Village building last week, Rada discussed the assault ...
... and pointed out where there were still blood droplets on the stairwell floor and walls where the suspects slammed his head onto the concrete...
"This is all too, too much ... happening inside my building. It's surreal and makes it impossible to sleep," Rada said. "[The attack] repeats over and over in our heads. We are so shaken up and scared."

Saturday, February 10, 2024

A smash & grab at the Grab & Go on Avenue B

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

It was more like Smash & Grab at the newish (and unlicensed) Grab & Go Convenience at 23 Avenue B. 

Last Sunday morning, someone smashed the front door here between Second Street and Third Street...
A store employee told me the thief stole some weed (mostly prerolls) and "not too much stuff" but was "caught already." 

Meanwhile, there's plywood treatment at the space, now with a rolldown gate in place as of Wednesday.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

DA: Man who attacked Ray outside Ray's Candy Store sentenced to 10 years in prison

Photo by Stacie Joy

Luis Peroza, arrested and charged for the late-night assault of Ray Alvarez outside Ray's Candy Store on Avenue A on Jan. 31, 2023, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison this afternoon, Manhattan D.A. Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced. 

Peroza, 40, was also charged with two other attacks in the East Village on that night. This past Dec. 14, Peroza pleaded guilty in a New York State Supreme Court to three counts of Assault in the First Degree. 

Here's more from Bragg's office: 
According to court documents and statements made on the record, on January 31, 2023, at approximately 3 a.m., Peroza approached the 90-year-old owner of Ray's Candy Store, who was standing outside of the store on Avenue A. Peroza asked if the owner would purchase canned drinks from him, but the owner declined. As admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, Peroza then struck him in the head with a hard object, breaking his jaw, fracturing his facial bones and giving him a black eye. 

Approximately half an hour later, Peroza demanded money from a 33-year-old man as he left a deli on Avenue C. The man said he did not have money and, as admitted in his guilty plea, Peroza struck him in the face with a hard object, breaking his orbital bone and causing a severe laceration to his face. 

Several hours later, Peroza approached a 51-year-old man on Avenue B and, as admitted in his guilty plea, repeatedly struck the man in the head with a hard object, lacerating his face and head, knocking out a tooth, and fracturing his facial bones.

EVG was the first media outlet to report on the assault. The story later made headlines in the U.S. (via CNN) and the UK. 

Following his arrest on Feb. 4, 2023, Peroza was described as "a career criminal," with 10 prior arrests dating to 2001 for robberies, assaults, criminal mischief and petit larceny, according to The Daily Mail

The Daily News reported that Peroza served five years in prison after he was convicted of an assault in the Bronx in 2003. A source told the News that the suspect is "next-level crazy."

Police also arrested Peroza's alleged accomplice, 55-year-old Gerald Barth. As previously reported, Barth's erratic behavior earned him the nickname "Insanity Claus" in Tompkins Square Park after he donned a discarded SantaCon suit. He was charged with first-degree assault and two counts each of first-degree robbery and first-degree attempted robbery. 

According to the DA's office, Barth was found unfit to stand trial. Last August, Barth was transferred from the Department of Corrections to the custody of the New York State Office of Mental Health. His case will move forward if/when he is found fit, per the DA's office. 

With reporting by Stacie Joy
H/T Steven

Previously on EV Grieve:

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Police seek information in 'attempted murder' after Sunday's slashing on 14th Street

The NYPD has placed reward posters along 14th Street for information related to the slashing outside the Immaculate Conception Church this past Sunday evening

According to police and media reports, the victim, John Mach, who works as a caretaker at the church just east of First Avenue, was slashed in the neck with a razor blade after trying to stop a man from urinating between cars. 

The suspect was also reportedly going to urinate on the church wall. The two men got into an argument. The unidentified suspect returned just after 5 and slashed Mach along his jawline to behind his left ear as he helped a wheelchair user enter the church, according to the reports. 

Mach needed 16 stitches to close the gash on his neck. (He talked with ABC 7 here.) 

Police are offering up to $3,500 for information about the suspect, who is apparently known in the area. Anyone with information about the incident — which the police are calling "attempted murder" — can contact the NYPD through the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). 

According to The Tablet, Mach was back at work the day after the slashing.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Reports: Man slashed after asking man to stop urinating on car along 14th Street at 1st Avenue

A church employee was slashed in the neck with a box cutter after trying to stop a man from urinating between cars early Sunday evening near the McDonald's on 14th Street at First Avenue.

According to police and media reports, the victim works as a caretaker at Immaculate Conception Church, where the suspect was also trying to use a wall as a urinal. The two men got into an argument. The unidentified suspect returned just after 5 and slashed the church worker while he was helping a woman in a wheelchair, according to the Post.

The victim, identified as 54-year-John Mach, was taken by EMS to Mount Sinai Beth Israel. He needed 16 stitches to close the gash on his neck. (ABC 7 has an interview with Mach here.)

Police said that the suspect is a regular in the area, "usually pushing a cart." 

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the NYPD through the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). 

There have been ongoing concerns about drug use/sales and general quality-of-life issues along 14th Street and First Avenue.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Report: Police chase ends with Jeep crashing into 2nd Avenue sidewalk bridge, injuring cyclist

Photos by EVG reader Erin 

A police chase last evening ended up with the suspects crashing a Jeep into the sidewalk bridge on Second Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street, injuring a 26-year-old bicyclist in the process.
According to police and media reports (PIX 11 here), the situation began after 7 p.m. on 34th Street and Fifth Avenue when the NYPD attempted to pull over the vehicle that had stolen plates. 

However, the driver sped off, reportedly hitting several cars on 34th Street and Second Avenue, before heading south down Second Avenue at a high rate of speed. 

Before colliding with the sidewalk bridge in the East Village, the driver struck a parked car and the cyclist, who reportedly suffered non-life-threatening head, neck and leg injuries. 

The occupants of the vehicle were a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old male. No word on the charges against them.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Police seeking help ID-ing 12 suspects in late-night robbery on Avenue C

'The NYPD is searching for a dozen suspects from a robbery on Sept. 17 at 12th Street and Avenue C.

According to the NYPD and published reports, a 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman had just left a bar on Avenue C at Eighth Street around 3:45 a.m. when they encountered the group — eight males and four females — several blocks away. 

One of the suspects displayed an unspecified weapon, and others in the group were said to have taken the couple's cell phones, wallets and debit cards. 

"This neighborhood is good. You can tell who's who," a local resident told PIX11 News. "I don't know any of these people whatsoever."

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Report: Early morning stabbing on Avenue A at St. Mark's Place

A man suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed early this morning during an altercation on Avenue A near St. Mark's Place, according to police sources and published reports. 

The stabbing took place outside the residential entrance to 131 Avenue A adjacent to the corner Starbucks at 6:15 a.m.

Per the Daily News:
The victim, who is in his 40s, was outside the Starbucks on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place, across the street from Tompkins Square Park, about 6:15 a.m. when he got into an argument with the skateboarder, cops said. 

As the two men came to blows, the skateboarder pulled out an "edged object" and jammed it into the victim’s side by his ribs, cops said.
PIX 11 said the suspect fled the scene on a skateboard and headed toward Tompkins Square Park. No word on what led to the altercation. EMTs took the victim to Bellevue.

This is the second stabbing in the vicinity in recent days. Last Friday night around 11:30, a man was stabbed while sitting on a bench inside the park near Avenue A and Seventh Street.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential. 

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Report of a stabbing last night in Tompkins Square Park

Photos by Steven

A 39-year-old man is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed multiple times in the torso last night in Tompkins Square Park, according to published reports. 

The stabbing took place around 11:30 p.m. inside the entrance at Seventh Street and Avenue A. Sources said the victim was sitting on a bench about 30 feet past the chess tables...
Here's more via ABC 7
It's unclear whether the two individuals knew each other or if there was a dispute, but police say the 39-year-old was stabbed in the torso. The incident took place as many other people were in the park at the time. The suspect took off, fleeing the busy scene. 
The Post reported that the NYPD is "looking for a man wearing black pants, and a black shirt with white lettering." No other description of the at-large suspect was immediately made available.

The NYPD added solar-powered auxiliary lights on the corner of Seventh Street and Avenue A last fall after someone slashed a delivery man in the face during the afternoon hours. 

Monday, September 4, 2023

Reports of smashed car windows on East Village side streets

East Village residents woke up yesterday to find several cars vandalized overnight. 

Mammad Mahmoodi, co-founder and executive director of East Village Loves NYC, came to his car yesterday morning to find that someone smashed in his rear window and the passenger side window and door. 

The thief made off with some shoes Mahmoodi planned to donate yesterday at the Sixth Street Community Center, the home base for East Village Loves NYC. There were other reports of smash-and-grabs on Fifth Street and Avenue D and Sixth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B (and likely more).

Mahmoodi filed a report with the 9th Precinct, which apparently has turned this into a felony case.

Monday, August 14, 2023

CM Rivera takes steps to address quality-of-life concerns along 14th Street

In response to the ongoing concerns about drug use/sales and general quality-of-life issues along 14th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue, local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera has partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals and Bellevue Hospital to introduce resources to address these problem areas.

According to a news advisory from Rivera's office:
The Street Health Outreach & Wellness (SHOW) unit is a dedicated team consisting of a physician, addiction counselor, social worker, and community health worker. They work together in the field, engaging with known patients and connecting people in need to comprehensive services. 

They are equipped to offer on-the-spot services while facilitating connections to primary care, substance use treatment, and other social services. The team plans to visit the area on a weekly basis, establishing a usual presence in the community. 

With a focus on medical support, harm reduction, and social services, the team will connect with individuals experiencing homelessness, addressing immediate needs, and connecting them to an array of available services.
This 14th Street corridor has long been a concern for residents (here and here, for instance). In June, the deteriorating conditions prompted 787 Coffee to shut its doors between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

The chainlet's management said the 14th Street outpost suffered five break-ins in four weeks before the closure. In addition, 787 said some customers sitting outside were assaulted the week before the closing. "We make coffee as an excuse to connect, to collaborate, to create… but when we are afraid to even go to work, it defeats our values, our DNA," they said. 

More from Rivera's office:
Historically, this intersection has been a focal point for illicit street vendors peddling subpar goods and intimidating passersby. Our office has worked with DSNY and DCWP to address those concerns. Recently, the area has become a gathering spot for individuals experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health challenges. 

Residents have brought numerous complaints to our attention including concerns pertaining to individuals frequently found sleeping on the sidewalks, engaging in the noticeable use of drugs, and exhibiting instances of aggressive and or violent behavior toward others. Our office takes these concerns seriously and is actively working toward addressing and resolving these issues.

In a statement, Rivera said:

"Underinvestment in mental health has created a situation where too many New Yorkers in need of mental health care are unhoused, unemployed, and involved with the criminal legal system. This has led to significant concerns about quality of life and public safety, and the well-being of everyone in our communities. We are all too aware of the persistent structural issues that perpetuate inequities in the healthcare system where historically marginalized communities and the most vulnerable New Yorkers are less likely to be connected with the care they need."

In a series of tweets last month, residents pointed out the drug sales outside 418 E. 14th St., adjacent to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Reports: Woman in custody after menacing rampage in and around Tompkins Square Park

Screengrab via Freedom News TV 

Updated: Per multiple residents and readers, the woman was released and spotted back in the neighborhood. (See the comments.)

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Police arrested a woman yesterday afternoon after a reported "hair-pulling rampage" in Tompkins Square Park. 

According to ABC 7, "A woman was seen walking up to people and violently tugging on their hair." Witnesses said she approached between five and seven people in Tompkins. One report said she also attempted to grab a 7-month-old baby. 

After she left the Park, the woman was seen knocking over several tables and chairs outside restaurants on St. Park's Place and Avenue A. 

Police took her into custody on Ninth Street just west of Avenue A. ABC 7 reports that EMTs took her to Bellevue Hospital for an evaluation. 

Freedom News TV posted a 3-minute video of the incidents on YouTube.

According to the Post, the woman is only know to the NYPD as Pop Star.

Sunday, May 28, 2023

[Updated] Report of a fatal stabbing on 10th Street between Avenue B and Avenue C

Updated 5/29 

Police say the suspect, 28-year-old Quan Alford, is facing manslaughter and weapon possession charges, the Daily News reports

Victim Michael Gilligbauer worked at Bike Fix NYC on Sixth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue and was on his way to his girlfriend's place when the fight on 10th Street broke out, per the News.

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A knife fight last night near 381 E. 10th St. between Avenue B and Avenue C left one man dead and another man in custody, according to published reports.

The two men reportedly didn't know each other, with the fight starting a little after 10 p.m. following "an accidental bump," per the Daily News

News outlets listed the victim as Michael Gillegbower, 31, who lived nearby in the Jacob Riis Houses. The unnamed 28-year-old suspect suffered a stab wound to his back. 

Charges are pending against the suspect, police officials said. 

• Sources: amNewYork ... The Village Sun ... The Daily News ... CBS 2 ... ABC 7 ... New York Post...

Screengrab via FreedomNews TV

Thursday, March 23, 2023

[Updated] Suspect arrested after shooting at police on 4th Street between C and D

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Updated 3/25: ABC 7 has an update here on the suspect, 20-year-old Richard Mendez, who allegedly had threatened his brother with a gun.

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A 20-year-old man is in custody tonight after shooting at a police cruiser on Fourth Street between Avenue C and Avenue D, according to published reports

Per CBS 2, "officers in a marked police car spotted the suspect waving a firearm." He then allegedly fired at the vehicle, striking it several times. The officers also reportedly returned fire. 

NBC 4's account of the story said the suspect "was ... menacing people with a gun" before the encounter with the NYPD near 330 E. Fourth St.
There were originally reports on the Citizen app that the officers sustained unspecified injuries. CBS 2 reported that "the officers were taken to a local hospital to be treated for ringing in their ears." 


According to the Post, the man was menacing his brother with a gun. It wasn't immediately clear if the suspect shot at the officers during the confrontation. 

Per the paper: "The suspect's brother was also arrested for an alleged robbery from Wednesday, according to sources."

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Noted

From the Citizen app: "Report of Suspicious Box Spilling Pink Sand" on First Avenue and Fourth Street. 

A Citizen commenter suggested that this is simply fairy dust.

Friday, January 27, 2023

Indictment announced against suspect who allegedly murdered James Cunningham on Avenue A last month

A memorial for James Cunningham on Avenue A 

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg yesterday announced the indictment of Roland Codrington, who's accused of stabbing and killing two men last month in two separate incidents, including 51-year-old James Cunningham on Avenue A on Dec. 19. 

Here's more via the DA's office
Codrington is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the First Degree, one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. 
"Roland Codrington allegedly wreaked havoc across the city in a crime spree that left two dead," Bragg said in a statement "Manhattanites deserve to live their daily lives without the fear of being attacked." 
According to court documents and statements made on the record, on December 19, 2022, Mr. Cunningham left a bar in the East Village and Codrington approached Mr. Cunningham outside the bar. Codrington pulled out a knife and slashed Mr. Cunningham in the neck, leaving him bleeding. Mr. Cunningham was pronounced dead at the hospital. in two separate incidents. 

Per media reports, Codrington has 12 prior arrests, including in connection with auto-related crimes in 2022. "In 2021, he was charged with assault with a weapon. Codrington was charged in connection with two assaults with a weapon in 2017," PIX11 reported.

Early on Dec. 19, Cunningham had just left the bar Spike's at 218 Avenue A between 13th Street and 14th Street around 1 a.m. when he bumped into Codrington on the street. 

Video footage at the scene, police officials said, shows the two men arguing for about 20 seconds before Codrington is seen slashing Cunningham with a knife. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said the two men had no prior connection before Dec. 19. 

Police officials said that the same knife was used in a violent rampage in which Codrington also allegedly killed a doctor in Marcus Garvey Park and assaulted several other people before his arrest on Christmas Eve. 

The Daily News reported that Cunningham was a regular at Spike's ... "who often came into the bar to order a seltzer or soda, never drank alcohol but instead used the bar as a community center." 

One EVG commenter had this to say about Cunningham: "He was my friend for 35 years and was the best type of person. James would have given the last of anything he had so another wouldn't have to go without."

Friday, January 20, 2023

Noted

A resident of a building on Fifth Street shares this email from the landlord of roughly three years, The Sabet Group, which offers their rationale for persistent broken front-door locks and, subsequently, stolen packages ...
Dear Residents,

You are correct, the city is no longer safe due to the bail reform and protest to defund the police. There are no consequences for stealing packages/breaking the law. The doors will be fixed again due to criminals attempting to pick and break locks. Please submit your request to the police and the city regarding safety of the city and our state. 

Thank you, 
The Management 

The resident was irked that the landlord blamed issues such as bail reform instead of shoddy maintenance practices. Per a resident: "Sabet might consider using some of the exorbitantly higher rents they collect to maintain security and protect their tenants." 

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

NYPD looking for 3 suspects in New Year's Eve stabbing on Avenue A

Photo Saturday night by Stacie Joy 

The NYPD has released some information about the stabbing that took place New Year's Eve night around 10 outside 133 Avenue A between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

Police and media accounts stated that "a 32-year-old man was standing in front of 133 Avenue A when a group of people approached him ... and one person from the group began arguing with him, according to the NYPD. The argument then led to a fight, and the assailant stabbed the victim in the head and chest before running away." 

The Crime Stoppers tweet (the time is incorrect on the tweet — it was p.m. not a.m.) shows three suspects in the surveillance video...
No word yet on a motive or condition of the victim.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.

Sunday, January 1, 2023

A memorial on Avenue A for James Cunningham

There's a small memorial with candles and flowers outside a vacant storefront at 214 Avenue A between 13th Street and 14th Street ... near where police found the body of 51-year-old local resident James Cunningham early morning on Dec. 19.
According to the NYPD and published reports, Cunningham had just left the bar Spike's at 218 Avenue A around 1 a.m. when he bumped into Roland Codrington and his girlfriend on the street. 

Video footage at the scene, police officials said, shows the two men arguing for about 20 seconds before Codrington is seen slashing Cunningham with a knife. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said the two men had no prior connection before Dec. 19. 

Police officials said that the same knife was used in a violent rampage in which Codrington also allegedly killed a doctor in Marcus Garvey Park and assaulted several other people before his arrest on Christmas Eve. 

The Daily News reported that Cunningham was a regular at Spike's, 218 Avenue A ... "who often came into the bar to order a seltzer or soda, never drank alcohol but instead used the bar as a community center." 

One EVG commenter had this to say about Cunningham: "He was my friend for 35 years and was the best type of person. James would have given the last of anything he had so another wouldn't have to go without."
On Dec. 22, Codrington allegedly choked a bartender and stabbed two Good Samaritans at Teddy's Bar and Grill on Second Avenue in East Harlem. Media reports stated that Codrington showed up at the bar with a pit bull and a baseball bat to settle a score. 

Police reportedly used surveillance video from Teddy's to link him to the knife attack on Avenue A. 

Early on Dec. 23, a 60-year-old pediatrician was found dead in Marcus Garvey Park. Police said that Codrington and the victim, Bruce Henry, got into a verbal spat that ended with the doctor being stabbed multiple times. The NYPD's investigation led detectives to Codrington and his girlfriend driving Henry's Mercedes-Benz in the Bronx on Christmas Eve. 

Essing said Codrington faces two counts each of murder and attempted murder and additional charges of second-degree assault and criminal mischief. Codrington had 12 prior arrests, Essing said. 

Codrington reportedly confessed to the crimes, telling police that he tossed the knife used in the crimes into the Hudson River.

Monday, December 26, 2022

Police arrest suspect connected to the Dec. 19 murder on Avenue A

An East Harlem resident has been arrested in connection with the early morning murder on Dec. 19 on Avenue A

During a press conference this morning, police said Roland Codrington, 35, went on a violent rampage in which he allegedly stabbed two men to death and assaulted several other people before his arrest on Christmas Eve. 

Police said that 51-year-old local resident James Cunningham bumped into Codrington and his girlfriend around 1 a.m. on Dec. 19 outside Spike's on Avenue A between 13th Street and 14th Street. Video footage at the scene, police officials said, shows the two men arguing for about 20 seconds before the suspect is seen slashing Cunningham's throat. 

NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said the two men had no prior connection before Dec. 19. 

On Dec. 22, Codrington allegedly choked a bartender and stabbed two Good Samaritans at Teddy's Bar and Grill on Second Avenue in East Harlem. Media reports stated that Codrington showed up at the bar with a pit bull and a baseball bat. 

Early Friday morning, a 60-year-old pediatrician was found dead in Marcus Garvey Park. Police said that Codrington and the victim, Bruce Henry, got into a verbal spat that ended with the doctor being stabbed multiple times. 

The NYPD's investigation led detectives to Codrington and his girlfriend driving Henry's Mercedes-Benz in the Bronx on Christmas Eve. 

Essing said Codrington faces two counts each of murder and attempted murder and additional charges of second-degree assault and criminal mischief. 

Codrington had 12 prior arrests, Essing said. No word yet on charges against Codrington's girlfriend. 

Here's a video of today's press conference...