Chilling Threats Against Witness Family in Bronx Case

In a disturbing turn of events, two gang members from the Bronx were charged with threatening the young son and pregnant wife of a key witness who assisted in the conviction of a gang leader for murder, as reported by federal authorities on Wednesday.

Tyshawn “Ty Boogie” Palmer, aged 32, and Hassan “Twin” Brown, aged 34, were apprehended for making bold threats on Instagram during the recent trial of Lamar “Black” Williams, 35, who heads the Mack Ballers faction of the Bloods. The threats were particularly explicit, with posts that included a photo of the witness and her young child, who is in kindergarten.

Prosecutors indicated that the posts included ominous phrases, such as, “We’re going to finish the season at that Lil’ N’ Ga School.”

In addition to this, the two and other gang members shared a picture of the witness’s pregnant wife at a baby shower, coupled with derogatory comments labeling the witness a “rat” and a “snitch.”

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, expressed grave concerns, stating, “They made brazen death threats for all to see. This is a serious crime and one that undermines everything we hold dear in our justice system.”

Despite these threats, witnesses proceeded to testify during a nine-day trial, leading to Williams being found guilty on February 11 for multiple charges, including the murder of 28-year-old Rasheed Burton on August 11, 2013, in the Bronx.

Williams, alleged to be the head of the Mack Ballers, faces severe penalties stemming from convictions of murder associated with racketeering, which mandates a life sentence, alongside charges of using a firearm and conspiracy.

Palmer and Brown were taken into custody on Wednesday morning in Hackensack, New Jersey, and the Bronx, respectively, by officials from the U.S. Marshals Service, who ensure the safety of trial witnesses and jurors. After their initial court appearances in Manhattan, they are being held without bail.

Federal agents from the Southern District of New York and NYPD personnel collaborated on the investigation.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch remarked, “The defendants’ alleged actions to intimidate witnesses and their families with violence are a deliberate attack on the integrity of our justice system.”

If convicted of witness tampering and retaliation, both Palmer and Brown could face life sentences. Attorneys representing them were not available for comments at the time.