Crime Brooklyn Boro

Judge sends message to parents at teen gang member’s sentencing

February 27, 2018 By Paul Frangipane Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Malik Peters sat straight faced throughout his Brooklyn Supreme Court sentencing. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane
Malik Peters sat straight faced throughout his Brooklyn Supreme Court sentencing. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane
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A Brooklyn judge called upon parents to keep their kids out of gangs before he sentenced a teen gang member to 25 years in prison on Tuesday for killing a 16-year-old in a 2015 shootout.

“Children with guns. When is society going to wake up?” Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice asked at 19-year-old Malik Peters’ sentencing. “I call upon the adults in the community … not only are you to raise your children but you are to raise them properly.”

Peters sat deadpanned in court as his victim’s family members sobbed recollecting the death of Armani Hankins.

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“On Oct. 26, 2015, my son walked out of my house and never returned,” Hankins’ mother, Joyce Burt said. Before continuing she paused, stuttered and burst out, “This ain’t easy, not at all!”

“What he did was wrong on so many levels,” Burt added of Peters. “He took my baby from me.”

Peters was convicted with Tyshawn Simon-Roberson — an 18-year-old previously sentenced to 15 years in prison — of first-degree manslaughter, attempted assault and weapon possession in two separate jury trials.

The trial showed that as members of the Fort Greene-based “900” street gang, the pair confronted rival East New York “4 to 5” members in front of an Applebee’s restaurant at 395 Flatbush Ave. Extension in 2015.

Simon-Roberson then pulled out a gun and shot a rival member in the leg before fleeing, which sparked “4 to 5” members to run after him. In retaliation, Peters shot and killed Hankins.

While Simon-Roberson was reportedly too nervous to speak at his sentencing, Peters maintained his innocence through his lawyer and declined to speak when the judge asked him.

Family members on Peters’ side of the courtroom burst into tears when the judge dealt the maximum sentence. Their tears were then followed by cursing and wails in the halls while Peters barely flinched.

Defense attorney Lawrence Labrew said he intended to file a notice of appeal for Peters the same day, saying, “I think he will be vindicated in the long run.”


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