Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, alongside New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, announced that Karl Smith and Chelsey Harris have pled guilty to their involvement in a murder plot that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander, Clarisa Burgos. Harris entered her plea on June 26, 2025, with sentencing set for November 6, while Smith pled guilty recently and will be sentenced on December 8. Two other individuals involved in the case are awaiting trial.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton remarked on the severity of the crime: “Karl Smith and Chelsey Harris participated in an elaborate plot to murder their victim...an innocent bystander, Clarisa Burgos, was tragically killed.” He emphasized the commitment to fighting gun crime alongside law enforcement partners.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated: “This wasn’t random gunfire – it was a calculated plot...a stark reminder of how reckless, calculated violence puts innocent New Yorkers in the line of fire.”
Court documents reveal that Dajahn McBean orchestrated the plot from within federal custody at MDC Brooklyn using a contraband cellphone. The plan involved luring Victim-1 to nightclubs where gunmen were arranged to kill him. Despite two attempts on December 24 and December 26, Victim-1 survived both shootings; however, Clarisa Burgos was killed during the second incident.
Smith and Harris face serious charges with potential life sentences due to stalking resulting in bodily injury and death. Additionally, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence for aiding firearm discharge during the plot.
Mr. Clayton acknowledged contributions from various law enforcement agencies including U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison, Andrew Chan, Dominic Gentile, and Timothy Ly from the Violent & Organized Crime Unit.
