New DNA testing linked Michael Benjamin, 57, to the assaults of five women between 1995 and 1997 in southeast Queens, according to the authorities. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Katz, Melinda R”
Suspect in Murder of Queens Couple Told Police That He Burned Them
By Gotham Rex on September 12, 2025
Jamel McGriff, who was arraigned late Thursday night, told the authorities that he had “molested” the septuagenarians before torching their home in the Bellerose neighborhood. Source: New York Times
Brooklyn Prosecutors Seek to Throw Out Scores of Convictions
By Gotham Rex on September 7, 2022
The 378 cases — mostly low-level drug and traffic offenses — relied on the work of 13 police officers who were later convicted of crimes. Source: New York Times
60 Cases Are Thrown Out in Queens After Misconduct by 3 NYPD Detectives
By Gotham Rex on November 8, 2021
The testimony of three New York Police Department detectives in dozens of cases in Queens was called into question after they were convicted of crimes or misconduct. Source: New York Times
They Spent 24 Years Behind Bars. Then the Case Fell Apart.
By Gotham Rex on March 5, 2021
A judge threw out the murder convictions of three New York men on Friday and admonished prosecutors for withholding evidence that cast serious doubt on their guilt. Source: New York Times
Queens Prosecutors Ignored Misconduct for Years. Can a New D.A. Change That?
By Gotham Rex on January 27, 2021
In her first year as district attorney, Melinda Katz has led major culture shifts in the borough. But some hope for more. Source: New York Times
‘Goodfellas,’ the Sequel? 4 Arrested in $6 Million Heist at J.F.K. Airport
By Gotham Rex on October 30, 2020
The men used fake paperwork to steal more than 4,000 Prada, Gucci and Chanel items from a cargo area at the airport, prosecutors say. Source: New York Times
N.Y.’s Legal Limbo: Pandemic Creates Backlog of 39,200 Criminal Cases
By Gotham Rex on June 22, 2020
A justice system based on face-to-face meetings has been limping along with virtual hearings, but officials are struggling with how to restart trials and grand jury proceedings. Source: New York Times
After Rift Over Protests, N.Y.P.D. Pulls Out of Prosecutors’ Offices
By Gotham Rex on June 15, 2020
The decision not to prosecute some protesters reflected a growing divide between district attorneys and the police over inequities in the criminal justice system. Source: New York Times