Bed-Stuy Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Stabbing of Activist Ryan Carson
A Devastating Confrontation
A Bed-Stuy man who fatally stabbed social justice advocate Ryan Carson in 2023 pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Wednesday, prosecutors said. Brian Dowling, 18 at the time of the killing, accepted a plea deal during a January 22 hearing before Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. The deal includes a sentence of 20 years to life in prison, which will be handed down on February 19.
The Fateful Night
The fatal incident occurred on October 2, 2023, at approximately 3:50 a.m. Carson, 32, was waiting at a bus stop on Malcolm X Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue with his girlfriend when they encountered Dowling. According to prosecutors, Dowling, who was visibly agitated and kicking parked scooters, turned towards the couple, shouting threats, including, “I’m going to kill you.”
A Tragic Turn of Events
Carson, who worked with the New York Public Interest Research Group, attempted to deescalate the situation, but was fatally stabbed during the confrontation. Surveillance footage presented as evidence showed Dowling swinging a knife at Carson, who tried to flee but tripped over a bench. Dowling ran up to Carson, stabbing him multiple times as he lay on the ground, striking his heart.
Aftermath and Investigation
After the attack, Dowling discarded the knife but returned to retrieve it. A later search uncovered a knife, believed to be the murder weapon, hidden in greenery near the scene. On October 5, Dowling turned himself in at the 81st Precinct after being identified as a suspect. During a subsequent search of his apartment, investigators recovered multiple knives with handles resembling the weapon used in the attack and clothing matching those seen in the video footage, according to prosecutors.
Justice Served
“Many of us still shudder when recalling the horrific video showing this defendant viciously attacking Ryan Carson and stabbing him to death for no reason at all,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez in a statement. Such an unconscionable crime requires the separation of this defendant from our society for a very long time, which is ensured by the promised sentence he’s now facing.”
Remembering Ryan Carson
Gonzalez also acknowledged Carson’s commitment to social justice, noting that in 2021 he created the No OD NY campaign and lobbied for safe injection sites to combat overdoses. “Ryan was passionate about making our city a better place and I hope that today’s outcome will bring his loved ones a small sense of closure,” Gonzalez added.
Conclusion
The plea deal brings a sense of closure to the community, but it also serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence. As the case concludes, it is crucial to remember Ryan Carson’s contributions to social justice and his commitment to making a positive impact on the city.
FAQs
* What was the outcome of the case?
The defendant, Brian Dowling, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and accepted a 20-year to life sentence.
* What was the nature of the attack?
Dowling stabbed Ryan Carson multiple times, striking his heart, during a confrontation at a bus stop.
* What was the motive behind the attack?
The motive is unclear, but prosecutors described Dowling as “visibly agitated” and “kicking parked scooters” before the attack.
* What was Ryan Carson’s background?
Carson was a social justice advocate who worked with the New York Public Interest Research Group and created the No OD NY campaign to combat overdoses.
