Brooklyn's ongoing battle against gang violence saw a significant development as a member of the Cypress Gangsta Crips (CGC) was charged with the 2015 murder of the gang's own leader, in what officials describe as a violent chapter in the turf wars that have long plagued the East New York neighborhood, this according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Jason Soto, known on the streets as "Twin," allegedly orchestrated the fatal shooting of Shakim Rivera, marking a grim escalation in gang retaliations within the CGC, said authorities; he was arrested and will face a judge in federal court. United States Attorney Breon Peace said "We are reducing gang and gun-related violence and saving lives through a coordinated effort to target the most violent offenders, like this defendant," in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Cypress Hills Houses have become ground zero for conflict between the CGC and the Bloods, with side allegiances fracturing the community further into segments of "Frontside," "Backside," and "Teamside," the violence, not just a tale of territory but of internal dissent and suspicions, as the charge against Soto suggests connection to his gang's internal war that erupted after another CGC member, Demetrius Graham, also known as “Duke,” was murdered on February 19, 2015.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy condemned the gang's actions stating “Jason Soto, a Crips gang member, allegedly appointed himself as judge, jury, and executioner to murder his own leader as twisted justice for the death of a fellow member. Soto’s alleged actions contributed to the infestation of gang violence plaguing a Brooklyn housing complex and endangered the lives of thousands of its residents. With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to apprehend any gang member wreaking havoc in our communities,” he announced their dedication alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch who stated, “The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to systematically dismantling the gangs and crews responsible for crime and violence in New York City. I commend the collaborative efforts of our NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in identifying and holding accountable those who terrorize our communities,” according to the same press release.
The indictment draws on an investigation that began back in 2015 in response to the rampant gang-related violence, one that has seen over 20 defendants charged with crimes ranging from drug trafficking to murder, and if Soto is found guilty of this 2015 murder, he may be sentenced to life imprisonment or face the death penalty, though it is important to remember that the charges are merely allegations, and Soto remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
