A comprehensive yearlong investigation in Brooklyn culminated this week in the dismantling of one of the borough’s most dangerous gangs, the 59 Brims. This operation has revealed a complex web of violence, rivalries, and criminal conspiracy, leading to a substantial indictment against numerous gang members.
The Indictment and Charges
On Wednesday, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced a staggering 129-count indictment against dozens of members affiliated with the 59 Brims and Bloodhound Brims gangs. This indictment connects them to nearly 20 shootings across Coney Island and Sheepshead Bay, some of which have resulted in fatalities.
District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized the severity of the situation: “These defendants allegedly carried out 19 separate shootings, murdered a rival, and wounded innocent bystanders—lawlessly endangering our communities.” The evidence suggests that the gang members openly communicated their intentions to harm rivals through music videos, recorded jail calls, and text messages, showcasing their blatant disregard for life and safety.
Escalation of Violence
The investigation revealed that tensions between the 59 Brims and rival gangs, particularly Folk Nation, escalated significantly after the 2021 murder of Bloodhound Brim member Davonte Lewis. His death fueled a prolonged gang war, resulting in a vicious cycle of retaliation and violence. Text messages retrieved during the investigation highlight gang members’ frustrations over missed targets, with one exchange lamenting a “bad drill” because “nobody got hit.”
Who Are the Bloodhound Brims?
The Bloodhound Brims are a faction of the Bloods gang, primarily operating in Sheepshead Bay and Coney Island. The District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, in conjunction with the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division, has been actively investigating the violent activities associated with these gangs. Among those indicted are individuals as young as 15 years old, with charges that include murder and various violent crimes.
Key Incidents and Allegations
The indictment details numerous incidents of violence linked to the 59 Brims and Bloodhound Brims. For instance, the murder of Davonte Lewis on April 29, 2021, occurred in broad daylight outside his school, where he was ambushed and shot multiple times. The alleged shooters, Malachi Simms and Quran Smith, were arrested shortly after the incident, with evidence linking them directly to the crime.
Revenge shootings quickly followed Lewis’s death, including an attack on a rival gang member in which the victim sustained serious injuries. The ongoing conflict between gangs, such as the 59 Brims, Bloodhound Brims, and Folk Nation, has led to a series of violent encounters, creating a perilous environment for residents.
The Role of Social Media and Evidence
Investigators noted that the gang members often signaled their intentions through social media, music videos, and other digital communications. This modern approach to gang warfare has made it easier for law enforcement to gather evidence against them. In one instance, a text message from a gang member criticized peers for failing to inflict serious harm on their targets after a shooting incident.
Conclusion
The takedown of the 59 Brims gang marks a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against gang violence in Brooklyn. As law enforcement continues to combat the challenges posed by organized crime, this investigation serves as a reminder of the dangers that gangs pose to communities. With the culmination of this yearlong effort, officials are hopeful for a safer future as they work to dismantle the networks that perpetuate violence and fear in the streets.
