Manhattan Detectives Arrest Suspect in NYC’s First Homicide of 2025
A crime scene in Manhattan
Manhattan detectives have arrested the suspect in what appears to be the first NYC homicide of 2025: Wednesday’s fatal slashing of a man in Harlem.
Charges Filed
Darnell Jackson, 39, of West 137th Street was charged on Jan. 1 with second-degree murder for the killing of Alfredo Cortes, 72, earlier on New Year’s Day morning, police announced Thursday.
Details of the Incident
Law enforcement sources allege that Jackson attacked Cortes near the corner of West 137th Street and Lenox Avenue at about 4:21 a.m. on Jan. 1. Officers from the 32nd Precinct, in responding to a 911 call about the incident, found Cortes with a slash wound to his neck. EMS rushed him to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said Jackson was apprehended near the crime scene on Wednesday morning initially as a person of interest in the case. He was criminally charged later that evening following questioning. The motive for the deadly stabbing remains under investigation, sources familiar with the case said.
Previous Convictions
Jackson was ordered held in custody indefinitely without bail during his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Jan. 2. He had been out on parole since Feb. 14, 2023, after serving time for criminal sale of a controlled substance and promoting prison contraband, according to state records.
NYC Homicide Rate
As of Dec. 29, 2024, the NYPD reported 375 murders year-to-date in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from the 390 homicides reported at the same point in 2023.
Conclusion
The arrest of Darnell Jackson marks a significant development in the investigation into the first NYC homicide of 2025. As the motive for the crime remains under investigation, the community can take some comfort in knowing that the perpetrator is now in custody. The NYPD will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their families.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the NYC homicide?
A: Darnell Jackson, 39, of West 137th Street
Q: What was the motive for the crime?
A: The motive for the deadly stabbing remains under investigation
Q: How many murders were reported in NYC in 2024?
A: 375, a 3.8% decrease from the 390 homicides reported in 2023
