New Cassel Man Convicted of Girlfriend’s Murder

Terrell found guilty of strangling girlfriend inside abandoned New Cassel house

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a jury has found Tyrone Terrell, 38, guilty of fatally strangling his girlfriend, Kimberly Fletcher, 37, and leaving her body inside an abandoned New Cassel house. 

Terrell was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree. The five-day trial concluded with less than three hours of deliberation. Terrell is due back in court for sentencing on February 27. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

Rice said that on June 23, 2008, Terrell and Fletcher, both homeless, spent the day recycling cans before returning to the abandoned New Cassel house the two of them illegally lived in. That evening, an argument began that eventually turned violent and ended with Terrell pushing Fletcher down onto a bed and strangling her with his belt. The next day, Terrell confessed the crime to his cousin, who then called police. Terrell was arrested when he returned to the house later that day.

During closing arguments, Terrell’s attorney admitted that his client caused the victim’s death.  However, the attorney said that it was an unintentional act and that Terrell should be found guilty of manslaughter, instead of the more serious murder charge.

“This was a senseless, intentional act,” Rice said. “There’s nothing unintentional about wrapping a belt around someone’s neck three times.  This was murder and the defendant should spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

Assistant District Attorney Zeena Abdi of the DA’s County Court Bureau is handling the case for the District Attorney’s Office. Terrell is being represented by Joseph LoPiccolo, Esq.