Brooklyn, New York – A 20-year-old man has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection to the tragic stabbing of twin sisters outside a deli in Brooklyn. The New York Police Department confirmed the arrest of Veo Kelly of Stuyvesant Heights, who turned himself in to authorities on Friday morning with legal representation, ending a five-day manhunt.
Kelly faces murder charges for the death of 19-year-old Samyia Spain of Park Slope, who tragically lost her life after allegedly being stabbed in the chest by Kelly when she rejected his advances. Samyia’s sister, Sanyia Spain, was also injured in the incident, sustaining a stab wound to the arm but is thankfully in stable condition.
In addition to the murder charge, Kelly has also been charged with assault and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Kelly was positively identified through video surveillance footage from the bodega.
Members of the Park Slope community are mourning the loss of Samyia Spain and have come together to honor her memory, placing candles outside the twins’ residence. Known for her vibrant personality and kind-hearted nature, Samyia was described as a shining star by her family, who has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her memorial.
The tragic incident has left the neighborhood in shock, with those who knew the girls personally expressing their sorrow and disbelief at the senseless act of violence. Mohammed Albhar, a worker at the deli where the stabbing took place, shared that the sisters were regular customers whom he had watched grow up over the years. Albhar recalled Samyia as a friendly and kind-hearted individual.
Following the stabbing, an outpouring of support has been shown to the deli, with community members stopping by to offer condolences and check on the well-being of the employees. The incident has shaken the tight-knit neighborhood, leaving many grappling with the senseless loss of a bright young life and the devastating impact on the Spain family.