Manhattan DA Announces Murder Charges Against Father-Son Duo for Harlem Man's Death, Ex-Girlfriend Accused of Aiding Crime

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced indictments on a father-son pair for the alleged murder of a Harlem man. Khaeir Spencer, 20, and his father, Daniel Spencer, 47, are charged in the December 2024 shooting death of David Brown. Tetikwa Horace, 42, the mother of Khaeir and ex-girlfriend of Daniel, who was dating the victim at the time, also faces charges for her alleged role in facilitating the crime and obstruction of prosecution, as per information acquired by the Manhattan DA's Office.

The crime took place at NYCHA's Polo Grounds apartment complex, where Horace and Mr. Brown lived together. Court documents reveal that on December 14, 2024, she reportedly walked her son and ex-partner to the apartment, left the door open for their armed entry, and promptly left after tearing off a surveillance camera. "As alleged, this father-son duo murdered David Brown in his own home," District Attorney Bragg said. Two minutes following the entry of Spencer and his father, they exited the apartment, fleeing the scene and abandoning Mr. Brown with fatal gunshot injuries, as detailed by the same press release.

Law enforcement responded to the scene promptly, and Mr. Brown was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he later succumbed to the injuries. Daniel Spencer was apprehended in January, while his son, who fled the city with Horace's assistance, was eventually detained in March in Sullivan County, New York. Horace herself was taken into custody shortly after, facing charges that include providing false information to the police and tampering with evidence.

The prosecution of the case is in the hands of Assistant D.A. Heather Pearson and Katherine Sullivan, overseen by Assistant D.A. Siobhan Carty and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo. Several law enforcement and support staff have been credited for their valuable contributions to the investigation, including Detective Cristian Balbi from the 32nd Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Michael LeClair from the Warrants Squad, as highlighted by District Attorney Bragg. Both detectives were specifically thanked for their efforts in progressing the case.