Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. has announced the sentencing of Charmaine Crossman, 42, to 23 years-to-life in state prison for the fatal stabbing of a woman in a Midtown East women's shelter. Crossman was convicted for the murder of her roommate, Victoria Goode, after the two had been living together for nearly a month. The tragedy unfolded in the wake of a dispute on December 16, 2022, when Crossman first complained about Goode's loud music and subsequently assaulted her, as reported by Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
In a statement given to the press District Attorney Bragg emphasized the significance of safety in shelters for vulnerable New Yorkers. "Shelters should be safe places for New Yorkers in need, and any violence that occurs in them will impact some of our most vulnerable residents," he said. The conviction followed a jury trial that found Crossman guilty of second-degree murder on October 15. The attack occurred after Crossman had an altercation with Goode, leading to the deadly chase and stabbing, as per the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
The incident started when Crossman expressed her irritation about Goode's loud music to a shelter supervisor. It escalated as Crossman entered their room and sprayed air freshener at Goode and a friend, and when Goode decided to leave, Crossman pursued her with a knife, eventually causing fatal injuries. Crossman continued to chase Goode through the hallways until she collapsed, then casually returned to her room and exited the shelter with a small backpack. Law enforcement later found a knife wrapped in a white towel in a trash can near the location.
The prosecution team, led by Senior Trial Counsel Dafna Yoran and Assistant D.A. Lauren Breen under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo, successfully argued the case. Assistance was provided by Trial Preparation Assistants Grace Gallen and Mariana Zieve-Cohen, Major Case Analyst Anastasia Trico and the Witness Aid Services Unit. Acknowledgements were also extended to Detective Robert Admirand and the 17th precinct detective squad for their roles in the investigation and subsequent conviction, D.A. Bragg thanked the entire team for their effort, in safeguarding the community from such brutal acts.
