Two men have been indicted on murder charges in connection with the death of Akil Kornegay, who was killed at an intersection in Queens. The indictment was unsealed today in a federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Rafael Hernandez, also known as "Cap" and "Ralphy," and Joibel Perez, also known as "J.P.," are accused of crimes related to an incident that occurred on February 26, 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Hernandez and Perez were arrested earlier this morning and are scheduled to appear for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated that the defendants are accused of escalating a dispute over drugs into a fatal incident.
The prosecution states that a dispute over a drug debt between the defendants and Kornegay, a customer, escalated, resulting in Kornegay taking drugs, money, and other items from Hernandez and Perez. The robbery is alleged to have prompted the defendants to pursue and kill Kornegay. Text messages between Hernandez and Kornegay show a heated exchange over the debt, with Hernandez demanding payment and accusing Kornegay of evading the debt.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch highlighted law enforcement’s efforts to address gun and drug crimes. They acknowledged the cooperation of the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force, the NYPD Queens South Homicide Squad, the 102nd Precinct Detective Squad, and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office in the case. Nocella stated that his office is committed to preventing deaths related to drug and gun crimes, while Barnacle emphasized the importance of dismantling violent criminal organizations.
The allegations, which have not been proven in court, carry the possibility of life imprisonment for both defendants if they are convicted of charges including narcotics conspiracy, firearm offenses during a drug trafficking crime, and causing death with a firearm. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Oken and Andy Palacio are leading the prosecution. The case proceeds with the aim of addressing the fatal incident and its impact on the community.
