Police arrested a suspected serial killer who was allegedly behind the murder of three elderly women in a Brownsville housing complex, the NYPD announced Thursday.
Investigators cuffed suspect Kevin Gavin soon after his alleged third grisly murder in the Woodson Houses, a New York City Housing Authority complex on Powell Street.
“I am confident upon hearing the evidence that the Grand Jury will charge and indict the defendant,” Kings County District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said during a press conference at One Police Plaza on Thursday. “I know how devastating these losses have been to the people of Brownsville and the residents of those houses.”
Authorities believe Gavin killed 78-year-old Juanita Caballero last week, 83-year-old Jacolia James in 2019, and 82-year-old Myrtle McKinney in 2015.
According to police officials, Gavin also resided in the area and gained access to his victims by posing as a friendly, helpful neighbor, often running errands for those physically impaired.
“The defendant took advantage of his relationship with these women, was allowed into their homes, and did unspeakable acts of violence,” said Gonzalez, who added that he hopes the arrest will bring some level of comfort to the area.
“I wanted to be here because I want the community to know how devastating these losses have been and to the people of Brownsville and to the residents of those houses that these women were beloved mothers, and grandmothers, and neighbors, and the fear that has existed in the Woodson Houses, regarding what has been happening there,” he said. “We are very proud that we are able to make this announcement today.”
Additional reporting by Dean Moses
