Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced today that an indictment has been handed up against three individuals in the September 18th, 2010 daytime stabbing on North Avenue in New Rochelle, resulting in the death of Kevin Williams.
The indictment charges:
Laurell Smith (DOB 02/12/90) of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York with,
one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A” Felony,
one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor.
Rico Johnson (DOB 03/11/91) of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York with:
one count of Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony,
one count of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony,
one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class “E” Felony.
Krista Leggieri (DOB 05/04/93) of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York with:
one count of Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony,
one count of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony,
one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class “E” Felony.
On September 18, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the victim was walking on North Avenue with his uncle. As they passed 311 North Avenue, the defendant Laurell Smith yelled something out of a window at the victim who then yelled back and a verbal argument took place.
The victim and his uncle continued walking on North Avenue.
Smith then exited his residence, caught up with Williams where words continued to be exchanged. During this exchange, the defendant pulled a knife from his waistband and stabbed the victim in the abdomen.
Police responded to the scene and the victim was removed by ambulance to Sound Shore Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:51 p.m.
During the ensuing police investigation, Rico Johnson detained later in his apartment told police that he saw the knife on his bedroom dresser – a short time later Krista Leggieri arrived asking for the knife.
Krista Leggieri, detained later in her apartment after allowing the police to enter showed them where she had secreted the knife.
Their arraignment on the indictment is pending.
Smith faces a maximum of fifteen to twenty five years to life in state prison.
Johnson and Leggieri face a maximum of two and one half to seven years in state prison.
Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Strongin of the Superior Court Trial Division is prosecuting the case.