Donovan Grant, Armed Robbery and Murder, New York 2014

A tragic case of murder has finally seen justice in New York. On January 23, 2014, Jercar Brooks was brutally murdered inside his apartment in the Bronx, during an armed robbery.

Eight years later, thanks to the tireless efforts of the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Donovan Grant, the 60-year-old suspect from Brooklyn, has been held accountable for the senseless crime.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams praised the outstanding investigating work of the FBI and NYPD, stating that together with law enforcement partners, this Office will continue to bring justice to the victims of violent crime.

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings, Donovan Grant planned to rob Brooks at gunpoint during a supposed marijuana deal.

Grant brought a gun and bag of pretend money to Brooks’ apartment located at 634 East 233rd Street in the Bronx, intending to take the marijuana by force if the plan to deceive Brooks was unsuccessful. During the course of the armed robbery, Grant shot Brooks two times and killed him.

Grant fled the building, taking with him the box of marijuana that he had planned to steal. He is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Alvin K. Hellerstein on November 28, 2022.

Grant pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, which carries a maximum term of twenty years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Swergold and Mollie Bracewell are in charge of the prosecution. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.

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