Former Brooklyn convict sentenced to life for three murders, including a double homicide involving an assault rifle.
A Brooklyn man, Charles Hernandez, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a series of murders that shocked the community in 2020. Presiding over the case, Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun described the actions of Hernandez as “the most heinous act” he has encountered during his judicial career.
Hernandez, a 52-year-old ex-convict, was convicted for the murder of three individuals over the course of a week. His violent spree included a notable incident on June 20, 2020, when he shot and killed 35-year-old Kenneth Singleton while the victim washed his car. Security footage captured Hernandez approaching Singleton from behind and shooting him without provocation. Just a week later, on June 27, Hernandez targeted 39-year-old Stephanie Perkins and 23-year-old Chioke Thompson as they sat on a stoop in East New York. He opened fire with a high-capacity assault rifle, leaving both victims dead. Disturbingly, after the shootings, he walked into Perkins’ apartment building and discharged additional rounds before fleeing the scene.
Justice Chun expressed grave concerns regarding Hernandez’s potential to re-enter society, emphasizing the cold-blooded nature of his crimes. The court highlighted the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial, which included chilling surveillance footage documenting the attacks. The motive behind these killings was reported to stem from Hernandez’s disputes with individuals connected to the victims, illustrating the tragic triviality that led to such violence.
The impact of the murders resonates painfully with the victims’ families. Singleton’s son, Kenyon Gilbert, articulated the profound loss he faces, lamenting the milestones his father will never witness, including his graduation and other significant life events. Perkins’ mother described Hernandez’s actions as senseless, attributing them to personal grievances rather than any substantial provocation.
Hernandez, who has a long history of criminal activity, including convictions for previous gun-related offenses, has maintained his innocence throughout the judicial process and intends to appeal the verdict. In a related case, an accomplice, Liza Jenkins, has been arrested for assisting Hernandez in disposing of the clothing worn during the murders; she awaits sentencing for her role in this highly publicized case.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the violent acts, emphasizing the lasting impact of such crimes on families and communities, despite a reported decrease in overall gun violence in Brooklyn. The case has drawn significant attention, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of gun violence and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic events.
