Two members of the Bronx-based 5zzly crew, Jaquell Blackwell and Abdoul Azika, have pleaded guilty to carjacking charges at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. The pleas were entered before United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross, with Azika pleading guilty on July 9, 2025, and Blackwell entering his plea earlier today. Both face up to 15 years in prison when sentenced.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York Field Office.
“Blackwell and Azika, wielding weapons and threats of grievous harm, forced their victims to give up their vehicles and instilled terror in their communities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “They will now be held accountable for their crimes, and our Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to eradicate gangs responsible for violent crime.”
Nocella also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Nassau County Police Department during the investigation.
“Jaquell Blackwell and Abdoul Azika committed a series of violent carjackings by brandishing weapons to forcibly steal cars from their victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “These gang members repeatedly terrorized our communities by threatening violence to ensure fearful compliance. The FBI continues to facilitate successful disruptions via Operation Summer Heat by protecting our citizens from violent offenders.”
Court documents indicate that both defendants were part of the Blood Hounds Brims gang’s 5zzly crew operating across New York City and Long Island. They admitted involvement in an armed carjacking on March 19, 2023, in Garden City where they approached a parked vehicle, threatened the driver with a knife and gun, ordered him out of his car using forceful language, then stole the vehicle after he complied. Additional admissions included Blackwell’s participation in another armed carjacking in Elmont on June 7, 2023; Azika admitted responsibility for two more incidents in South Farmingdale and Massapequa on June 5, 2022.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca M. Schuman and Kamil R. Ammari from the General Crimes Section.
Abdoul Azika is 21 years old; Jaquell Blackwell is 20. Both are residents of Bronx, New York.
E.D.N.Y Docket Nos.: 24-CR-483; 25-CR-194 (ARR)
