GRAND JURY INDICTS BRONX MAN ON CHARGES OF MURDER FIFTEEN YEARS LATER

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today the indictment of a 39 year-old Bronx man for the alleged murders of three young girls between 1988 and 1990 in the Parckchester section of the Bronx.

The grand jury indicted James Johnson, aka James Buie, on six counts of Murder in the 2nd degree, under two different legal theories. Johnson is charged with intentional murder and causing the deaths of the victims during the commission of a felony offense.

Johnson, currently incarcerated at the Great Meadow State Correctional Facility on unrelated charges, allegedly stabbed Joanna Acosta, 13, to death on September 15, 1988. It is further alleged that Johnson stabbed Michelle Ross, 15, and Sharon Sadhoo, 17, to death on November 6, 1990.

Johnson was remanded at his arraignment today before Acting State Supreme Court Justice John N. Byrne. Johnson is next scheduled to return to court on Friday, September 2, 2005 in Part 60. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.

District Attorney Johnson said: "The persistent and thorough work of New York City Police Detectives is greatly appreciated. Our office intends to follow through to see that the family and loved ones of the decedents receive complete justice".

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Edward Talty, Chief of the Gang / Major Case Bureau.