by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 3 – A woman was indicted for murder for hire in September 2024 and her case assigned to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres. She was writted in from Miami to the SDNY Magistrates Court, which Inner City Press closely covers.
The murder was committed around Christmas 2023. The victim was Clarisa Burgos.
On October 4, the SDNY prosecutors wrote to Judge Torres that "DOJ has authorized this Office not to seek the death penalty."
On October 15, co-defendant Smith was in the SDNY Magistrates Court. Inner City Press as only media there live tweeted, from thread:
AUSA: He orchestrated multiple shooting, with a person already detained.
Judge: The US has met its burden. A woman is dead, due to the alleged use of a cell phone. There are messages. I note your extensive international travel, and lack of visible means to support it. You will be detained.
Note: the judge asked about Smith's "a/k/a" on the indictment and was told it was just his Instagram handle. And on that page, nine photos - more on X for Subscribers here, and Substack here
On October 17, Jeezy Mula, whose cases Inner City Press has previously covered, was added. Inner City Press, and as only media in the Mag court live tweeted, thread
On April 3, 2025, with the case transferred to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, a hearing was held about the MDC cell search. Inner City Press thread here
AUSA: What was his demeanor, usually? Lt Ubiera: He was usually calm. But on that day, he was worked up. AUSA: Is this a copy of his disciplinary record? Defense: Objection! Relevance. Judge: I'll allow it.
Lt. Ubiera: Yes. In MCC, he denied it was his. Then this, in the MDC... AUSA: Would you have searched his cell if the tip came not from law enforcement but another inmate? Lt. Ubiera: Yes. AUSA: No further questions
The case is USA v. Harris, et al., 1:24-cr-541 (Engelmayer)
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