FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY—Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC), released the following statement after the arrest of an alleged suspect in the murder of 17-year-old Sunset Park High School student, Derek Trujillo. He was the victim of gun violence during the pandemic while in Flatbush. Derek died from a gunshot wound to his chest at Kings County Hospital, where his 16-year-old friend was treated for a gunshot wound to his hand after the robbery attempt last October. The alleged gunman, 18-year-old Nasir Perez, was charged with murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and assault.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“Derek Trujillo — a beloved son, brother, friend, and future doctor — was full of promise. He was only 17 when an unknown gunman who valued material goods over human life shot and killed him. We live in a society where it is easier to access a gun than an internet-enabled computer, despite the correlation between education, poverty, and violence. As a result, Black and Brown youth have been disproportionately affected by this epidemic during a pandemic. Until we shift our priorities and resources where it matters most, these dueling health crises will worsen and devastate families across this city. After nearly four months of unanswered questions, I hope this arrest will help bring some closure to the family and the Sunset Park High School community,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis. 

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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