SECOND GUNMAN PLEADS GUITLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE FATAL SHOOTING OF TWO INNOCENT BYSTANDERS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that 36 year-old Duval Thorpe has been convicted on charges of weapons possession for his role in a deadly shootout in the Olinville section of the Bronx that left two innocent bystanders dead.

Thorpe, of 4229 Ely Avenue, the Bronx, pled guilty to Criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Thorpe will be sentenced to a determinate term of 12 years imprisonment. State Supreme Court Justice Lawrence H. Bernstein set sentencing for Wednesday, October 1, 2003, in Part M20.

Co-defendant Kenroy Hinds, of 721 East 213th Street, pled guilty last week to two counts of Murder in the 2nd degree, "in a manner evincing a depraved indifference to human life", in the deaths of Romel Jenkins, 5, and Sergio Carmago, 25, of Phoenix Arizona. Under the terms of that plea agreement, Hinds will be sentenced to a term to 23 years to life imprisonment. Sentencing for Hinds is set for Friday, September 26, 2003 in Part M20.

The fatal shootings occurred during the early evening hours of November 19, 2001, near the intersection of White Plains Road and Rosewood Street, when Thorpe and his co-defendant were engaged in a gunfight initiated by Hinds. Stray shots struck Jenkins in the back and Carmago in the chest.

Senior Trial assistant District Attorney Theresa Gottlieb prosecuted these cases.