Two Defendants to be Arraigned in Federal Court in Brooklyn Today on Charges Related to a Double Homicide and Robbery

Christian Keston John and Khaa McKenzie will be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge James Orenstein at the U.S. Courthouse, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, on charges contained in a five-count indictment charging them with the murder of two individuals in connection with an armed robbery.¹ The case is assigned to United States District Judge Frederic Block.

The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.

As alleged in the indictment and an earlier complaint, on April 6, 2011, the defendants executed an armed robbery at a residence located on Pulaski Street in Brooklyn, New York. The two victims, Jason Bostic and Aaron Formey, were found shot multiple times, their hands, feet, and bodies bound with duct tape. The defendants stole a quantity of marijuana and approximately $20,000 from the home, as well as the car of one of the victims. Surveillance cameras subsequently recorded two males, one of whom was identified as the defendant John, wiping down the victim’s car with the paper towels.

“The charges announced today once again demonstrate the link between drugs and violence in our communities—and even inside homes,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “We and our partners in law enforcement will not rest until our neighborhoods are free from the scourge of drug violence and until those who victimize our residents are brought to justice.” Ms. Lynch added that the government’s investigation is continuing.

“Today’s charges illustrate another example of the extreme violence drugs bring to New York,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Fedarcyk. “As a result of the defendants’ illthought scheme, two victims were allegedly shot numerous times during an armed robbery and bound with duct tape—for their drugs, cash, and leased car. Violence committed with blatant disregard for human life will be met with the unwavering response of the FBI and the Department of Justice.”

NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “Illegal drugs fuel violent crime, and in this case it allegedly sparked the brutal murders of two men. I commend U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as NYPD detectives and FBI agents for their fine work and critical information sharing that led to the apprehension of these two defendants.”

If convicted of murder, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, or possibly the death penalty.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Walter M. Norkin and Celia A. Cohen.

The Defendants:

CHRISTIAN KESTON JOHN
Age: 28

KHAA MCKENZIE
Age: 23

¹ The charges announced today are merely an allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.