Katz Announces Ridgewood Man Found Guilty For Killing Female Roommate
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced this week that a 29-year-old Ridgewood resident has been convicted of manslaughter in the stabbing death of his female roommate, whom he killed in the Ridgewood apartment they shared in September of 2016.
“This was a horribly disturbing case. The defendant returned to the apartment he shared with his roommate late one night and stabbed her multiple times, causing her death. The knife sliced into her back and neck, puncturing her heart, lungs and a major artery,” said Katz.
Defendant Render Stetson-Shanahan, 29, of Stanhope Street in Ridgewood was found guilty in manslaughter in the second degree in a non-jury trial.
Katz said that, according to the trial testimony, shortly before midnight on September 28, 2016, police responded to a 911 call about a man wearing only underwear and roaming the neighborhood with a knife. Police found the defendant back at his apartment on Stanhope Street. He was in his bed and bleeding from a self-inflicted wound to his right thigh. In the next room, 26-year-old Carolyn Bush was bleeding profusely from numerous stab wounds. The victim had been stabbed multiple times in her neck and torso. The puncture wounds caused massive injuries to her heart, lungs and severed an artery. Ms. Bush was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Assistant District Attorney Brian C. Hughes, a Section Chief in the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, prosecuted the case. Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Buchter set sentencing for March 26, at which time Stetson-Shanahan faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison.
Gianaris Endorses Constantinides for Queens Borough President
State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside and parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) yesterday endorsed City Councilmember Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, parts of Long Island City, Woodside) as the progressive choice for borough president in the upcoming March 24 special election.
“Costa is the leader our communities need,” said Gianaris. “His vision for a greener Queens is more important than ever. I am proud to endorse him as the Borough President who will take us to a brighter future.”
“Senator Gianaris’ support shows this is the real progressive movement to reshape Queens over the next decade,” said Constantinides. “Together we can meaningfully fight climate change, create 50,000 union green jobs, and secure deep affordable housing. I’m thankful to Mike for his support and look forward to transforming Queens with him.”
The Astoria natives, born to Greek and Greek-Cypriot immigrants, have been friends since their teenage years playing basketball. Their teamwork carried over into government life, where they’ve served Astoria together for several years. Gianaris is the first-ever Greek-American elected official from New York City and serves as Deputy Leader of the State Senate.
James Slams Trump Administration For Restricting Global Entry to State Residents
New York Attorney General Letitia James yesterday slammed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for sending a letter to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stating that the federal government would no longer enroll or re-enroll New York residents in a number of the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST (Free and Secure Trade).
New York is one of more than a dozen states that have passed laws allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, arguing it would make the roads safer and reduce the fear of undocumented immigrants from being deported for a driving violation.
But unlike the other states, New York has a provision that restricts federal immigration agencies’ access to the Department of Motor Vehicles records without a court order.
“Despite President Trump’s attempt to punish New Yorkers for passing its own laws and standing up to his xenophobic policies, New York will not back down. Already, 13 additional states and the District of Columbia have passed similar laws to the one the Trump Administration cites in its letter, so we will resist efforts that target New Yorkers and cut off our access to Global Entry or any other Trusted Traveler Program,” said James.
“As the state’s attorney and chief law enforcement officer, I will continue to vigorously defend New York laws and our state’s residents against the president’s vindictive actions. New Yorkers will not be targeted or bullied by an authoritarian thug,” she added.
Vallone, Vanel Endorse Bloomberg for President
City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-Alley Pond Park, Bay Terrace, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, East Elmhurst, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck, Whitestone) and Assembly Member Clyde Vanel (D-Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose, parts of Floral Park) yesterday announced their endorsement of Mike Bloomberg for president at the official opening of the campaign’s Queens office.
“The unprecedented prosperity we have enjoyed is a direct result of the decisions and leadership made by our previous Mayor Mike Bloomberg,” said Vallone. “He knew prioritizing economic development would be critical to balance the needs of every citizen. He challenged every one of us to be our best so that our city could prosper and he will do the same as our President. That is why I am proud to stand with Mike Bloomberg for president.”
“Mike Bloomberg is known as a dedicated public servant, successful entrepreneur, and powerful advocate for some of the most pressing issues facing New Yorkers today,” said Vanel. “As a community advocate, I admire his passion for causes like gun violence and climate change. As a business leader, I respect his ability to create thousands of jobs. And as an elected official, I appreciate his ability to get things done. As the political climate in Washington continues to deteriorate, we need a president like Mike who is able to bridge the divide and work on behalf of all Americans.”
Bloomberg’s 2020 new Queens office is at 39-36 Bell Boulevard in Bayside.
