Additional Coverage:
- Brooklyn serial killer preyed on neighbors in his own building and murdered 3 in ‘brutal’ spree (themirror.com)
A 71-year-old handyman from Brownsville has pled guilty to murdering three elderly neighbors in his own apartment complex, a series of crimes that terrorized the community for years. Kevin Gavin, who lived in the Carter G. Woodson Houses on Powell Street, exploited his role helping residents with repairs and errands to gain their trust before attacking them inside their homes between 2015 and 2021.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described Gavin as having “acted as a serial killer” within the New York City Housing Authority building, targeting vulnerable women who welcomed him into their apartments. The victims-Myrtle McKinney, Jacolia James, and Juanita Caballero-were all beloved members of the community, whose tragic deaths sent shockwaves through the Brownsville neighborhood.
The first killing took place around November 8, 2015, when 82-year-old Myrtle McKinney was fatally stabbed in the neck. Initially believed to have died of a heart attack, the true cause emerged only after a funeral director discovered a small stab wound.
Years later, on April 30, 2019, 83-year-old Jacolia James was killed; Gavin admitted to stomping on her neck and chest. The final murder occurred on January 14, 2021, during a home invasion where 78-year-old Juanita Caballero was strangled with a phone cord after being robbed.
Following Caballero’s death, surveillance footage allegedly showed Gavin using her debit and benefit cards at several locations. He was arrested on January 21, 2021, and subsequently confessed to all three murders. Gavin told investigators he had disputes with each woman over money, which he claimed led to altercations preceding the killings.
Residents and officials have said the Woodson Houses were deeply shaken by these events, prompting demands for enhanced security and criticism that tenant concerns had been overlooked. Councilmember Inez Barron, representing Brownsville, called the case a stark example of systemic racism, highlighting the failure to properly investigate complaints from community members.
Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond prosecuted the case under the guidance of Homicide Bureau Chief Leila Rosini. Gavin’s guilty plea carries a sentence of 30 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 20, 2026.