Queens man Travis Blake has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2022 murders of his girlfriend, Karlene Barnett, her son Dervon Brightly, and Barnett's cousin, Vashawna Malcolm. The conviction and sentencing, confirmed by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, bring a resolution to the stabbing deaths, according to the Queens District Attorney's Office.
The case concluded after a three-and-a-half-week trial in which Travis Blake, 31, was found guilty on April 2 of multiple charges, including three counts of second-degree murder and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for each second-degree murder charge, to be served consecutively, totaling a minimum of 75 years. He also received 364 days for each weapon possession charge, with all sentences running concurrently with a life sentence for first-degree murder. The victims’ bodies were discovered in different stages of decomposition inside a shared residence in Jamaica, Queens, with injuries involving knives, a hammer, and a screwdriver.
Testimony and evidence presented in court indicated that the victims were killed between June 22 and June 24, 2022. Following the incident, Travis Blake left New York. The investigation was initiated after a 911 call reported a strong odor at the residence, leading to the discovery of one body and, subsequently, two others behind a locked basement door. Medical reports documented multiple stab and puncture wounds, as well as blunt force injuries.
Video surveillance footage showed Travis Blake, who had been in a relationship with Karlene Barnett, entering and exiting the residence during the time frame in question. The footage also showed him changing his shirt and wrapping a bandage around his hand, according to statements made by the prosecution. Evidence presented at trial included a screwdriver with blood near Dervon Brightly’s body, bloody footprints next to Barnett, and a fingerprint identified as Blake’s on a stained mop. The prosecution also referenced Blake’s internet search history, which included queries about states where the death penalty is applied.
Prosecutors Jonathan A. Selkowe, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Ashley Clement of the Felony Trials II Bureau, prosecuted the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney John Kosinski and Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark. The court found Travis Blake guilty and imposed a sentence of life without parole in connection with the deaths of Karlene Barnett, Dervon Brightly, and Vashawna Malcolm. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the case has had a significant impact on the victims' family.
