In a shocking turn of events, Elijah Bilal, a/k/a ‘Karate Kid,’ pled guilty today to conspiring to commit a firearms crime in connection with the April 15, 2012 murder of Terrance Martin, 25, in the Bronx, New York.
According to the allegations, Bilal shot and killed Martin over a drug debt in connection with a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The gruesome murder took place in a public courtyard in the Andrew Jackson Houses in the Bronx, where Bilal fired a single bullet into the back of Martin’s head from approximately two feet away.
Bilal, 30, of the Bronx, New York, also admitted to conspiring to tamper with witnesses who were expected to testify against him at trial. His co-conspirator released the witnesses’ names on Instagram prior to trial.
The defendant pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to commit witness tampering, and one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, saying, ‘Through his guilty plea, Elijah Bilal admitted that he shot and killed Terrance Martin. Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Bilal will be held accountable for his crimes.’
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily A. Johnson, Peter J. Davis, Thomas J. Wright, Adam S. Hobson, and Christopher Clore are in charge of the prosecution.
Bilal’s guilty plea brings an end to a long and complex investigation that spanned years. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder that those who commit violent crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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