A New York woman who was jailed for 13 years was released Tuesday. after new evidence contradicts her story of helping a hitman commit a murder 25 years ago in the Bronx.
Kimberly Hanzlik, 59, was convicted in 2011 along with gunman Joseph Meldish on charges that she told Meldish that his target, Thomas Brown, was sitting in Frenchy’s Tavern on East Tremont Avenue in the Throggs Neck section of. Bronx on March 21, 1999. Meldish then entered the establishment and shot Joseph Brown, who looked like his brother, Thomas Brown.
Hanzlick was sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison. While Meldic was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, new evidence released by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office casts doubt on whether the victim’s wife was able to identify Hanzlick at the scene.
at the hearing at the Bronx Magistrate’s Hall on Tuesday. Administrative Judge Alvin Yearwood granted the request from Hanzlick’s attorney. To withdraw the conviction, dismiss the charges, and close the case against Hanzlik. ordering her release from state prison
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A New York woman jailed for 13 years has been released after new evidence contradicts her story of helping a hitman commit a murder. (Istock)
“Ms. Hanzlick received a 13-year prison sentence based on testimony at trial that did not meet current credibility criteria. Due to the discovery of new information This casts doubt on the integrity of her convictions. And we cannot stand by,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who joined the motion to vacate the conviction and dismiss the charges. said in a statement “I realize this has caused pain and anguish to the families of the victims. But for justice We are dismissing Ms. Hanzlik’s complaint.”
It is alleged that Meldish was upset with Thomas Brown, a former drug dealer. refused to lend money to complete the deal and reported Meldish to police when he stole his home in revenge.
Hanzlik, a prostitute who was addicted to drugs at the time He allegedly went with Meldish and another man to a bar that Thomas Brown was known to frequent. He came in and believed she saw him sitting with his wife and told Meldish he was inside.
Kimberly Hanzlick, 59, was convicted in 2011 along with gunman Joseph Meldich on charges that she informed Meldich of her target’s location. (Istock)
Meldish then went inside and shot the man eight times. which caused his death But the victim turned out to be Joseph Brown.
And Meldish’s getaway driver testified that Hanzlik helped them commit the crime.
Joseph’s wife Brown testified that she saw Hanzlick in the bar before the incident. But after re-investigating the case at the request of Hanzlik’s lawyers in 2021, it was revealed that she had first identified Hanzlik in 2006, seven years after the murder.
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“I realize this has caused pain and anguish to the families of the victims. But for justice We are dismissing Ms. Hanzlik’s complaint,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said. (Istock)
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The identification is also secured by a New York City police detective. who is now deceased But he was recently discovered to have forced a false identity in an unrelated case.
Additionally, previously undisclosed police documents from 1999 show information from the getaway driver that Hanzlik was actually not present at the time of the crash.
