Arrest in check scam could provide breakthrough in the unsolved murder of 12-year-old Kade Lewin.
A recent arrest linked to a federal Treasury check fraud scheme may provide critical leads in the unsolved murder of 12-year-old Kade Lewin in Brooklyn, a case that has long haunted the city. The suspect, 24-year-old Jonah Luc, a member of the Insane Crip Gangsters, has reportedly admitted to being present in the Mercedes-Benz that was involved in the tragic drive-by shooting of Lewin in March 2022.
According to a federal court filing dated August 22, Luc was detained without bail after a hearing before Brooklyn Federal Magistrate Judge Vera Scanlon. This development adds a significant layer to the investigation surrounding Kade’s murder, which occurred when multiple gunmen fired 11 bullets into a parked Toyota Corolla where Kade and two relatives were sitting. The incident resulted in Kade’s death and left one of his relatives, Jenna Ellis, injured.
No formal charges for Lewin’s murder have been filed, yet Luc’s gang affiliations and the details surrounding the shooting indicate a concerning pattern. Prosecutors describe the Insane Crip Gangsters as being involved in a series of retaliatory shootings against a rival gang, the 8 Trey Crips. On the night of the shooting, Luc was reportedly on a mission with fellow gang members when they mistakenly targeted the vehicle containing Kade.
The community remains shaken by Kade’s death, which prompted former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell to promise a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. In honor of Kade, a section of Linden Boulevard has since been renamed after him, reflecting the deep impact of his tragic passing on local residents.
Luc’s recent arrest, stemming from charges including theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft, revealed unsettling details. Investigators discovered a federal tax refund check belonging to another individual in Luc’s apartment, suggesting ongoing criminal activities including scams often associated with his gang. Surveillance footage from the night of Kade’s death corroborates Luc’s involvement, as it depicts him entering and exiting the vehicle used during the shooting.
Federal prosecutors emphasize that the ongoing violence attributed to gang members, like Luc, poses severe risks to residents living in Brooklyn. While the court documents do not specify who fired the shots that killed Kade, the overall circumstances of the crime underline a disturbing trend of youth violence linked to gang activity.
As the investigation continues, the local community remains hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail for Kade Lewin while grappling with the profound loss of a young life taken too soon.
