GRAND JURY DECLINES TO CHARGE 17 YEAR OLD BRONX YOUTH IN THE STABBING DEATH OF A SUSPECTED ROBBER OF A BRONX BODEGA

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that murder charges against 17 year old John Darden have been dismissed by a Bronx grand jury. Mr. Johnson said the grand jury, "after reviewing all relevant facts and evidence," declined to indict Darden who fatally stabbed 29 year old Louis Troiano on Monday, August 12, 2002. The fatal confrontation occurred on the sidewalk in front of 1035 Longwood Avenue following a chase after Darden learned that the deceased was fleeing from a nearby bodega that Troiano allegedly had robbed at gun-point.