Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Rafael Hernandez, also known as “Cap” and “Ralphy,” and Joibel Perez, also known as “J.P.,” with crimes related to the February 26, 2021 murder of Akil Kornegay in Queens, New York. Both defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI’s New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD, announced the arrests and indictment.
“As alleged, the defendants chose to escalate a drug dispute to a deadly act of retaliation,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Such flagrant violence in our communities will not be tolerated and I commend the FBI Special Agents, NYPD detectives, and our prosecutors for their resolve and hard work resulting in today’s arrests. Our Office is committed to preventing the loss of life due to drug and gun crimes.”
Nocella thanked several law enforcement groups for their work on this case: the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force, NYPD Queens South Homicide Squad, 102nd Precinct Detective Squad, and Queens County District Attorney’s Office.
“Rafael Hernandez and Joibel Perez allegedly murdered a customer of their drug trafficking operation over a debt dispute,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Their drug distribution and retaliatory violence endangered nearby residents. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains dedicated to crushing violent crime by dismantling criminal enterprises and holding those who terrorize our communities accountable.”
According to court filings, Hernandez and Perez ran a profitable marijuana distribution business out of Brooklyn’s Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue Housing Development. A conflict over unpaid debts arose between them and Kornegay—a customer—who received messages from Hernandez demanding payment or “bread.” The communications accused Kornegay of avoiding repayment. The situation escalated when Kornegay robbed Hernandez and Perez of drugs, money, and other items.
In response to that robbery on February 26, 2021, Hernandez and Perez allegedly followed Kornegay through a Queens neighborhood during early morning hours. When Kornegay stopped at Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard intersection, they pulled up beside him and fired multiple shots into his vehicle. Kornegay suffered several gunshot wounds before crashing his car into a pole; he died as a result.
The charges are allegations; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted on charges including narcotics conspiracy; possessing, brandishing or discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; or causing death through use of a firearm—they could face life imprisonment.
The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Oken and Andy Palacio from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
Rafael Hernandez (age 30) and Joibel Perez (age 25), both from Brooklyn, have been named as defendants under E.D.N.Y Docket No. 26-CR-020 (HG).
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York serves as the federal prosecutor's office covering Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County,and Suffolk County with offices located in Brooklynand Central Islip https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny. This office handles prosecutions for federal crimes—including cases like this one—and represents the government in civil matters throughout these areas https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny. In addition to prosecuting cases,the office provides support programs for victims,witnesses,and community outreach https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny.
