Bretford Brewer, a 36-year-old Brooklyn resident, faces murder and criminal possession of a weapon charges following the Aug. 1 killing of 36-year-old Carlos Penzo inside a Long Island City apartment building, according to police sources and court documents. Authorities found Penzo covered in stab wounds inside a bathtub at the Hayden building located at 43-25 Hunter St., with a knife on his body and a broken knife on the bed.
Did You Know? The luxury Long Island City apartment complex where the incident occurred features its own basketball court, gym, lawn with a movie screen, and a parking garage, with current price listings starting at over $6,600 a month.
Social Media Meeting Preceded Fatal Dispute
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the two men met on social media and planned to hook up for the night. Court documents show that Brewer entered the building lobby at approximately 9:30 p.m. the night before the discovery, telling a worker of his intent to meet Penzo before heading to the fourth floor.
Investigators report that a verbal dispute broke out between the men, which escalated to Brewer allegedly attacking Penzo with a knife. Court records indicate the victim dialed 911 and provided the address to the operator before appearing to succumb to his wounds, while police and court filings note the apartment was left trashed and covered in blood.
Rooftop Camera Tampering and Arrest
Following the attack, the suspect went to the high-rise rooftop fully nude and used a fire extinguisher in an attempt to destroy security cameras, according to police sources. He then returned to the fourth floor and tried to re-enter Penzo’s apartment while still nude before building staff confronted and held him until police arrived.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz outlined the sequence of events in a statement detailing the charges. “As alleged, the defendant stabbed 36-year-old Carlos Penzo multiple times in his face, neck and torso, and left the victim to die in his apartment,” Katz said, adding that Brewer sprayed a fire extinguisher toward a surveillance camera near the roof entrance, which activated a fire alarm.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Brewer was arraigned on Thursday and remanded into custody, where he faces 25 years to life behind bars if convicted of the charges. Prosecutors intend to hold the defendant fully accountable as the case moves forward through the court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Bretford Brewer face?
Brewer faces charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Where did the incident take place?
The slaying occurred inside an apartment at the Hayden building, located at 43-25 Hunter St. in Long Island City, Queens.
What is the status of the legal case against the suspect?
Brewer was arraigned on Thursday, remanded, and faces 25 years to life behind bars.
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