One Arrested, Two Wanted in Connection with New York City Drugging Deaths, Robberies
(MENAFN) New York City Police have made an arrest in connection with a series of drugging deaths and robberies. Jacob Barroso, 30, has been taken into custody and is facing murder, robbery, grand larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy charges. However, Jayqwan Hamilton, 35, and Robert Demaio, 34, are still being sought by police in connection with the crimes.
The three men are believed to be connected to a "citywide robbery pattern" that includes at least 17 incidents that occurred between September 2021 and August 2022. These incidents include the deaths of Julio Cesar Ramirez, 25, and John Umberger, 33. Both men were drugged, robbed, and then died after leaving gay bars in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. CBS New York reports that both men were seen leaving the bar with multiple strangers.
Shane Hoskins has also been indicted in connection with the crimes. According to court documents, Hoskins was part of a plot to approach intoxicated people leaving nightclubs, engage them in conversation, and offer them incapacitating drugs so that "their ability to perceive events became diminished" and they could rob the victims of their "phones and credit cards" or other property. Hoskins is facing multiple counts, including robbery, conspiracy, grand larceny, and identity theft.
Several other individuals were indicted in connection with the crimes, but their names and charges were redacted in court documents obtained by CBS News. It is unclear whether Barroso, Hamilton, or Demaio are among those whose names have been redacted.
The arrests and indictments highlight the danger of predatory behavior in nightlife environments and the importance of awareness and caution when leaving bars or clubs. The investigation into the drugging deaths and robberies is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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