BRONX MAN IS CHARGED WITH MURDER AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A 10 YEAR-OLD BRONX GIRL

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that 20 year-old Rene Bonilla of the Bronx, was charged with allegedly shooting and killing 10 year-old Naisha Pearson, and critically wounding 19 year-old Leonardo Deaza.

Bonilla, of 526 East 138th Street, was charged with two counts of Murder in the 2nd degree, one count of Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree and one count of Criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree.

Bonillia was arraigned before Bronx Criminal Court Judge Ira Margolies and remanded. Bonilla is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment in Bronx Supreme Court on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 in Part A. If convicted of the most serious charge, Bonilla faces a maximum term of up to life imprisonment.

The incident occurred on Monday, September 5, 2005, as the defendant allegedly pointed a handgun at Deaza and fired several shots. Deaza was critically wounded and Pearson was struck once in the chest by a stray bullet and killed.

Chief Trial Counsel Assistant District Attorney Daniel T. McCarthy, and Assistant District Attorney Lolita Lukose of the Intake Bureau will be prosecuting this case.