“I hope today’s indictment and accountability will be a small measure of solace for the family as they seek justice,” he said. Police officials believed Thursday’s takedown targeted the leaders of the Hoolies, including some founding members, but they said the gang still had dozens of recruits. The Police Department recorded 1,531 shootings in 2020 — almost double the 777 recorded in 2019 — and Davell was one of 468 people killed, the most since 2011. The violence has become a key issue in the mayor’s race as the city struggles to mount an effective response. Police and prosecutors say that gang investigations allow them to bring more serious charges against a small number of people who are responsible for most of the violence in the city.

Source: New York Times May 06, 2021 13:26 UTC