Clarisa Burgos’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that turned New York City streets into a warzone. Karl Smith, alias ‘Pacavell,’ and Chelsey Harris, alias ‘Ms. Chinn,’ have now pleaded guilty for their roles in the plot that led to her tragic demise.
United States Attorney Jay Clayton and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced today that Smith and Harris are scheduled to face life sentences for orchestrating a shooting intended to kill a rival gang member, Clarisa Burgos being an innocent bystander who paid the ultimate price. The deadly plot was meticulously executed by the duo, who set up multiple locations across New York City in December 2023.
According to court filings and statements at public proceedings, Dajahn McBean, alias ‘Jeezy Mula’ and ‘Freeze,’ and Julissa Bartolomew, aliases ‘Trophy’ and ‘Tactical Mommy,’ were also involved. McBean, while detained awaiting sentencing for a previous gang-related shooting, used contraband cellphones to conspire with Smith and Harris from inside prison. He paid them through intermediaries to lure their victim, Victim-1, into nightclubs where gunmen awaited.
The first attempt on December 24, 2023, at Club-1 in Queens, missed the target but struck Clarisa Burgos, who was seated in the car of Victim-1. On December 26, 2023, they tried again at Club-2 in Queens, hitting Victim-1 multiple times and tragically killing Clarisa Burgos.
Smith, 27, and Harris, 24, have each pleaded guilty to stalking resulting in life-threatening bodily injury and death. Smith also admitted to aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Harris additionally pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm, with a mandatory minimum of five years. The NYPD remains committed to holding violent criminals accountable, ensuring safer streets for New Yorkers.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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