Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn found Charles Powell, Brian Castro, and Musah Coward guilty on multiple counts related to the murder of Rodney Maxwell during an armed robbery. The charges include firearm-related murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and Hobbs Act robbery. Powell was additionally convicted for being a felon in possession of ammunition. The incident occurred at an illegal gambling location in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
The trial lasted three weeks and took place before U.S. District Judge Eric R. Komitee. Each defendant faces up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
United States Attorney John J. Durham announced the verdict alongside James E. Dennehy from the FBI's New York Field Office and Jessica S. Tisch from the NYPD.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for the victims of this vicious and senseless crime that was driven by greed and carried out with a complete disregard for human life,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The defendants are responsible for murdering Rodney Maxwell, who was gunned down in cold blood, and the carnage could have been even worse with the wanton shooting of terrified bystanders."
Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that on October 7, 2020, Powell and Castro entered the gambling site while Coward waited outside in a car after driving them from New Jersey to Brooklyn. During the robbery, both Powell and Castro shot Maxwell; he later succumbed to his injuries.
Powell also fired into a crowd as they attempted to flee, injuring three individuals who survived their wounds. Castro confessed to his involvement during a conversation recorded by an FBI confidential source.
Powell has prior convictions for felony possession of weapons in New Jersey and was found guilty of possessing ammunition corresponding to his actions during the robbery.
Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Palacio, Raffaela Belizaire, Megan Larkin prosecuted the case with support from Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader under the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
The defendants' details are as follows:
- Charles Powell (also known as "Payback"), age 26 from Newark, New Jersey.
- Brian Castro (also known as "Morenaje"), age 24 from Paterson, New Jersey.
- Musah Coward (also known as "General Mecka," "Red," "General Red"), age 33 from Paterson, New Jersey.
E.D.N.Y Docket No.: 21-CR-572 (EK)
