Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1996 cold-case murder of pregnant Bronx mother.
A Bronx man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1996 murder of a pregnant woman, a case that remained unsolved for nearly three decades until recent advances in DNA technology facilitated a breakthrough, according to a statement from Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.
Gregory Fleetwood, 69, received the sentence from Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio after pleading guilty to manslaughter for his role in the death of 36-year-old Jasmine Porter. The gruesome murder occurred on February 5, 1996, in Porter’s apartment situated on Davidson Avenue, near West 176th Street in Morris Heights. Evidence presented by law enforcement officials revealed that Fleetwood strangled Porter in the presence of her 5-year-old son, who desperately attempted to save his mother by pushing the assailant away.
In a tragic turn of events, the young boy spent two days alone with his mother’s lifeless body before authorities discovered them. Reports indicate that the child tried to care for his mother, attempting to clean her face and wipe away blood from her nose. The harrowing details of the case highlight the profound impact on the victim’s family, as her brother, Derek Porter, shared the painful experiences faced by his nephew during those hours.
The investigation into Porter’s death took a significant turn in 2021 when Bronx Homicide Detective Robert Klein was assigned the case. During the investigation, Klein uncovered fingernail clippings from the victim, which had never been tested for DNA. This evidence ultimately led to a DNA match with Fleetwood, whose genetic profile was already in a national forensics database due to a prior conviction for a similar crime involving another pregnant woman in 1987.
Fleetwood, who had been released from prison less than two years prior to the murder, was taken into custody on August 8, 2022. While he denied any involvement in the killing during police interrogations, investigators found inconsistencies in his statements that linked him to the vicinity of the crime scene.
In addition to the murder of Jasmine Porter, Fleetwood has been implicated in multiple violent incidents, including alleged assaults and attempted rapes dating back to 1984. Despite his criminal history, which included a manslaughter conviction, he had only served a minimal sentence before his release.
The resolution of this cold case underscores the advancements in forensic science and the dedication of law enforcement personnel, notably Detective Klein, who described the investigation as a culmination of his career. The case serves as a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime and their families. Media News Source.
