A late-night birthday celebration in the Bronx ended in deadly gunfire, and now a New York City Department of Education employee is facing a murder charge.
Police say 26-year-old Naya Brown was arrested on March 3 in connection with a January shooting that killed father of four Keon Gill and wounded his brother. The arrest comes more than a month after the January 25 incident, and investigators say the person who actually pulled the trigger is still on the loose.
Brown was taken into custody at her Bronx home by a regional fugitive task force, authorities told amNY. That outlet reports Brown now faces a murder charge, the same top count brought earlier against 37-year-old Pernell Warren, who was arrested on February 1 in the same case. Police have not released a detailed account of the evidence they say links Brown to the killing.
What Police Say Happened Outside the Bronx Bar
According to News 12, officers responding to a 911 call just before 3 a.m. on January 25 found Gill and his brother near West 242nd Street and Broadway. Gill had been shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital. His brother was hit in the knee and survived with what police described as a non-life-threatening wound.
The Department of Education said Brown was immediately suspended following her arrest and called the allegations "deeply disturbing," according to the same report.
Alleged Role of the DOE Employee
Law-enforcement sources told the New York Daily News that Brown and others drove to the bar that night, allegedly to settle a dispute. Those sources said Brown went inside to confirm the Gill brothers were there, then alerted the people waiting outside.
Fox News reported that sources say Brown "does not appear to have been the person who fired on Gill or his brother," even as investigators continue searching for the shooter. Police have not publicly identified that person.
Charges, Warren’s Custody Status, and What Comes Next
Brown and Warren are each charged with murder in connection with Gill's death. Following his February 1 arrest, Warren was also charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon, as reported by amNY. A judge ordered Warren held without bail after his arraignment.
Prosecutors are now preparing case filings ahead of upcoming court appearances for Brown. Authorities have not publicly discussed any potential plea or trial timeline.
Family: Birthday Celebration Turned Tragedy
Gill’s relatives told News 12 that he had been out celebrating his birthday the night he was killed and remembered him as a devoted father. The family said they are hoping the arrests will bring some measure of justice.
"No parent should have to bury their child," his mother said, as relatives and neighbors mourned the loss.
Hunt Continues for Third Suspect
Police say the investigation is still active and that they are looking for a third male suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit an anonymous report online, per the NYPD.
The department says it will continue to cooperate with investigators as the case moves forward.
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