Exclusive: NYPD lieutenant explains possible motive in brutal Brooklyn laundromat murder
EAST FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- In an exclusive interview, an NYPD lieutenant is sharing details of how the team cracked a murder case in Brooklyn.
On Wednesday, police arrested five people -- 46-year-old Ronnie Butler, 19-year-old Shaleek Riddick, 48-year-old Louis Mercado, 20-year-old Diante Stinson and a 16-year-old Zecharya Slay -- in connection to the murder of a laundromat owner in East Flatbush.
Money Perkins, 37, a father of three, was killed in December when the suspects walked into his store and robbed him.
The brutal murder was captured on surveillance video.
"It seems like money," said NYPD Lieutenant Martin Costello. "There were some disputes over money in the past, and it seems maybe the money wasn't going out anymore possibly to one of the suspects. That seems to be the origination of the planning of this robbery."
The gold chain around Perkins' neck was believed to be worth $30,000 and $60,000.
"The chain was something they knew Mr. Perkins had," added Costello. "Obviously that was their intention to get that chain."
Detectives believe the suspects had been planning the robbery for some time and met a a deli in Far Rockaway.
Police say Mercado allegedly asked his 16-year-old stepson and his friends to help carry out the crime. Authorities say Butler, the victim's second cousin, initially reached out to Mercado about it all.
Costello said things started to come together around the first of the year. The key to cracking this case was the suspect's own getaway car -- a white Honda with a distinct racing stripe right down the middle.
"It's a step in the right direction, justice for Mr. Perkins, five bad individuals with criminal histories are now in custody and will have their day in court," Costello said.
Perkins was seen as advocate and role model for the kids in the area.
"The horrific and senseless murder of Money Perkins, a loving father, husband, and hardworking entrepreneur, devastated not only his family but the entire community," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. "In collaboration with the NYPD, my office has charged five individuals, including a relative of the victim, who we allege are responsible for this brutal and callous execution. My heart continues to be with Mr. Perkins' family and loved ones, and I am committed to holding all those responsible to full account."
Slay, charged as adult, and the four others were arraigned and held without bail.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Perkins' three children which range in age from 2 to 17 years old.
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