Get Brooklynian.com by Email! 
Grab the Feed (RSS)
A large fire today, Dec 17th.
Lots of FDNY equip on scene
Gothamist reports it started around 4:30 pm.
NPR reported the fatality.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
Brooklynian » Forum » Prospect Heights »
-
It was at 203 Underhill. Just came back to the chaos from an afternoon out. Asked someone hanging out on my stoop (on the same block) - he said supposedly, supposedly, someone was shot, thrown in the elevator, and the elevator set on fire. Not sure if this is all true, but yikes.
-
It's true and it's fucked up at least according to the Post: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/burned_alive_in_brooklyn_elevator_uGOwkIo4kDvIkBbS9qAbwL
-
photo of the suspect
-
The image of the suspect is chilling. My heart goes out to the victim and her family.
-
Daily News version: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/prospect-heights-woman-burns-death-set-ablaze-a-apartment-building-elevator-article-1.993226
NYT Version: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/nyregion/woman-burned-alive-in-brooklyn-elevator.html?_r=2&hp
WCBS: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/12/17/police-investigate-fatal-elevator-fire-in-brooklyn/
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I cannot fathom how someone could commit such a horrific, senseless crime. When I read about crimes of passion or self-defense, although I don't condone violence, it (sort of) makes sense, but something like this has me baffled. I just can't understand how someone could be so mentally unstable, but the frightening thing is that often times crimes like this, rape, murder, etc, are committed by people who are not mentally disturbed, but who appear to be "normal". If I saw this guy getting on an elevator I would probably have no problem stepping on with him, especially at 4:30 in the afternoon, I would have felt perfectly safe.
I did jury duty last year, we had like 80 cases and I swear in almost every single case I would have sworn the accused/alleged criminals were innocent until hearing all of the evidence. And even then, it was really difficult for me to believe that someone could be so cold blooded as to steal, rape, murder, shoot children, stab someone, and so on. I guess I need to toughen up, stop being so naive.
Write a gratitude list everyday and see the blessings in your life magnify immensely -
dude looks like the dude the girl i change collages for dated........ about the same age too. then again the pic is small.
Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure). -
for future victims, if someone dose you with accelerants. hold the mother !@#$ and take them with you.
same goes for lining up for being shot. run at them. if you and bunch of villagers are gonna be lined up to be shot.
Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure). -
The Daily News article and WCBS report I link above states the victim and killer knew each other; This was not a crime in which a random person was selected.
...but, yes, this is seriously scary and messed up. All of the articles seems to indicate a great deal of premeditation by the killer...
raulism » The image of the suspect is chilling. My heart goes out to the victim and her family
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
These last last two posts make no sense to me, but indeed, if the news reports are true, this is all incredibly disturbing.
-
Sorry, the above two, not the previous
-
The minute that mfer starting spraying her she should have gouged out his fucking eyes. All it takes is two fingers. Gouge out his eyes and break his nose with an object, she was carrying groceries, a can or whatever. Then run like hell. This has me so angry. I am glad they got him on video. TO call this thing an animal is an insult to animals.
It's so hard to be a saint in the city. -
The casual look on the perp's face while he sprays his victim with the lighter fluid is extremely disturbing.
-
Rosita said:
The minute that mfer starting spraying her she should have gouged out his fucking eyes. All it takes is two fingers. Gouge out his eyes and break his nose with an object, she was carrying groceries, a can or whatever. Then run like hell. This has me so angry. I am glad they got him on video. TO call this thing an animal is an insult to animals.She was 60 years old. NOT Chuck Norris. Come back to reality.
Why attack God? He may be as miserable as we are.
- Erik Satie -
Did anyone know Doris Gillepsie? Does her family need donations for funeral expenses?
"Clamato! Straight Up! No chasah! -
I agree, GOD. It always seems that in the aftermath of these terrible crimes someone will imply that the victim would still be alive if only he/she would have fought back. I'm sure she was paralyzed with fear - really, what in life mentally prepares one to be doused with flammables?
-
This is so sad (as well as terrifying). As Idlewild asked above, if anyone finds out information about her family, I'd be happy to contribute.
-
Ditto on the donation.
Meanwhile, the suspect is presently being questioned by police.
....he desperately needs a good defense attorney.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I disagree whynot.
I hope he gets a defense attorney that barely passes the competency standards that are enforced by the state.
-
We share the same hope.
...my thought was more along the lines of "given all of the evidence against this suspect, it sounds like the police are certainly questioning the right guy. If he enters a plea of not guilty, the defense has their work cut out for them on this one. Ditto on getting this guy less than the max."
Finding the exterminator outfit and tank in his apartment would be excellent touch as well.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I will get in touch with Council Member James' office about donations for the funeral.
-
Should I edit this post title to reflect the current information?
(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”) -
Mamacita said:
Should I edit this post title to reflect the current information?Nah. I like how the current title describes what was first reported/known, and how the story is rapidly developing.
This story is now being covered by national media.
Once the family designates where/whether they will accept donations, please lock this thread and create a distinct one for that.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I don't think there is a need to lock a thread unless the discussion devolves, but a new thread for donations sounds good. I'm happy to sticky it to the front page (or sticky this one with donation info included -up to you guys)
(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”) -
I'M 60 years old but I have been to self-defense classes. If it is life or death you can do it. Everyone has vulnerable spots (eyes, nose, groin) which is what they teach you to aim for. Anyone, even seniors, can learn to defend themself.
GOD said:
She was 60 years old. NOT Chuck Norris. Come back to reality.It's so hard to be a saint in the city. -
How this for F'd up: I saw the perp walking back and forth on my street(prospect place btwn Vanderbilt and Underhill) on Tuesday. I tried to say Hi, but he was clearly a paranoid schizophrenic with an aggressive bent. He was yelling at imaginary people and I actually thought to myself, "this guy is big and scary. I wouldn't want to be the person he goes off on."
So sad to hear that my premonition was accurate. I wish I'd been able to help in someway, but crazy people walking the streets is nothing new.
As HORRIBLE as this crime is, I also can't help but feel sad for this obviously deranged individual. What a tragedy.
... And yes, I spoke to 77th precinct detectives last night as soon as I saw the photos
-
... And I do t care if you're a 20 year-old MMA expert, if some crazy person surprises you by spraying you with some liquid and then lights a match... You're dead. It's folly for anybody here to think they could have saved themselves.
-
Do not blame the victim.
(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”) -
All I am saying is that there are resources out there to teach women and others how to defend themselves, so that you are not paralyzed with fear and learn how to turn the situation around. Being empowered, not being victimized.
I am always being misunderstood on this site. Nothing new for me, it has been a life time thing, because I have always refused to accept society's limitations on myself because of gender, age and other circumstances.It's so hard to be a saint in the city. -
The story has been updated and the man in question has been arrested. There's also more that has come out about their relationship. Apparently he had set another fire at 315 Lincoln Place (where he also lived). http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/nyregion/woman-burned-alive-in-brooklyn-elevator-police-question-man.html?hp
-
Wayfarers said:
How this for F'd up: I saw the perp walking back and forth on my street(prospect place btwn Vanderbilt and Underhill) on Tuesday. I tried to say Hi, but he was clearly a paranoid schizophrenic with an aggressive bent. He was yelling at imaginary people and I actually thought to myself, "this guy is big and scary. I wouldn't want to be the person he goes off on."So sad to hear that my premonition was accurate. I wish I'd been able to help in someway, but crazy people walking the streets is nothing new.
As HORRIBLE as this crime is, I also can't help but feel sad for this obviously deranged individual. What a tragedy.
... And yes, I spoke to 77th precinct detectives last night as soon as I saw the photos
In many situations, people have a feeling that something bad is about to happen but are unable to intervene. The reasons are numorous:
The police and psychiatric hospitals can't do anything until rigid standards are met.
The police and psychiatric systems are overwhelmed
Very few crimes can be predicted with certainty.
Hospitalization and/or incarceration isn't forever, and rarely cures a person or stops recidivism.
The media will likely follow this story for a while, and will detail the extent of this suspect's past involvement with prison and mental health systems. If he has such a history, the decisions of those involved in his case will be second guessed.
Unfortunately there is no easy fix. If there was, we would have far fewer instances like this.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
a possible motive, per nyt:
Rickey Causey, who said he was Ms. Gillespie’s nephew and has lived with her since late June, said his aunt was not romantically involved with the man. She had hired him to clear out her cluttered apartment earlier in the year, Mr. Causey said. He said the man had harassed Ms. Gillespie after she fired him on suspicion that he had stolen a VCR and a large cake pan among other things.
In November, Mr. Causey said, the man stuck an invoice on Ms. Gillespie’s door that said she owed him more than $300; she did not pay him.
"Here's a little tip I would like to relate: Many fish bites if you got good bait." -
The latest version of the story, as per the Associated Press 7:30PM, Dec 18: http://www.pressherald.com/news/Police-NY-man-says-he-set-woman-on-fire-over-debt.html
AP » Jerome Isaac sits in a police car after being led out of the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sunday, following his arrest in the death of 73-year-old Deloris Gillespie. Isaac told police he set Gillespie on fire in an elevator because she owed him $2,000, authorities said Sunday.
AP »
Police: N.Y. man says he set woman on fire over debt After killing Deloris Gillespie, Jerome Isaac set another fire elsewhere, then hid on a roof before turning himself in, police say.
By CRISTIAN SALAZAR/The Associated Press
NEW YORK — As Deloris Gillespie went up the elevator to her fifth-floor Brooklyn apartment, carrying groceries, her killer was waiting. Though no one may have seen him, he had been in the building long enough for neighbors to have smelled something odd.
Surveillance video from inside the small elevator shows that he looked something like an exterminator, with a canister sprayer, white gloves and a dust mask, which was perched atop his head like a pair of sunglasses. The sprayer was full of flammable liquid.
When the elevator opened Saturday afternoon, the man sprayed the 73-year-old woman, who turned around and crouched down to try to protect herself, New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said.
The attacker sprayed Gillespie in the face and continued to spray her "sort of methodically" over her head and parts of her body as her bags of groceries draped off her arms, Browne said.
Then, Browne said, the attacker pulled out a barbecue-style lighter and used it to ignite a rag in a bottle. He waited a few seconds as Gillespie huddled on the floor. Then he backed out of the elevator and tossed in the flaming bottle.
Neighbors in the Prospect Heights building quickly reported a fire, but had no idea that a woman was being burned alive.
Overnight, a 47-year-old man smelling of gasoline went into a police station and implicated himself in Gillespie's death, Browne said. The suspect, Jerome Isaac, told police he set her on fire because she owed him $2,000 for some work he had done for her, Browne said.
Jaime Holguin, who lives on the same floor as Gillespie, saw surveillance pictures of the attacker and said, "Oh, my God!"
Holguin, the manager of news development for The Associated Press, said the attacker looked like a man who lived with Gillespie for about six months last year and appeared to have been helping her out.
That arrangement apparently ended by early 2011, but months later Holguin started seeing the man nearby on the street, looking "a lot more disheveled."
Browne said that after setting Gillespie ablaze, Isaac set another fire at his own apartment building nearby, then hid on a roof before turning himself in to police.
Isaac was arrested Sunday on murder and arson charges. The Brooklyn district attorney's office had no information on whether he had an attorney.
Residents were evacuated and kept away from the six-story building for hours Saturday night as police investigated. On Sunday, Holguin said, the fifth floor was a mess, with a melted elevator door and a layer of water on the floor.
Holguin said he and his girlfriend had taken the elevator on their way out of the building shortly before the attack. They didn't see anyone on the floor with them but did notice an odd smell, as if someone was painting, he said.
Holguin said police told them later that the assailant was already in the building and perhaps had hidden on another floor when they left their apartment.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Now that I see the latest photo, I feel pretty certain I saw this guy too, but longer ago that Wayfarers--maybe two weeks ago. He was on the corner of Park and Vanderbilt outside Caree Cleaners, yelling at invisible people. Wearing an olive green canvas jacket, I think, with unkempt hair. Over many years in NYC I've become pretty blasé about people who appear to be homeless or mentally ill, but I walked across both streets to avoid getting too close to this guy. If it is the same person, the timing seems strange because it sounds like he'd been around the neighborhood for a long time, but I would definitely remember if I'd seen someone that crazy previously.
"Now if every newspaper editor had to deal with a reader like Emily, boy, would they think twice, or three times." --greg -
If he has one, Mr Issac's criminal and psychiatric history will probably be published in the article that comes out this week Re: his arraignment.
Meanwhile, articles are beginning be published which detail the relationship between Mr Issac and the deceased: http://prospectheights.patch.com/articles/son-of-woman-set-ablaze-all-she-did-was-give
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Screw the perp -- I hope he rots, but also I've got to question Patch's journalistic qualities here. Other papers reported that the woman's son himself suffered from mental illness, and here they write a whole article dedicated to him as a source.
"All she did was give," well, this guy says that she failed to pay him money he was owed. Definitely no excuse for burning the woman, but if you look at MSNBC you'll see their reportage on neighbors' attitudes went from "we loved her and I can't imagine who would do this to her" to "she was always a crazy paranoid bitch who would duct tape her doors any time she left the apartment."
It's a deplorable, insanely cruel act, but I'm somewhat reassured by the notion that they knew each other, and whatever the facts in the case, it wasn't completely random. Just sayin'.
-
Rosita said:
I'M 60 years old but I have been to self-defense classes. If it is life or death you can do it. Everyone has vulnerable spots (eyes, nose, groin) which is what they teach you to aim for. Anyone, even seniors, can learn to defend themself.Like most people in this world. She didn't have combat training as you do. Not everyone is prepared to fight at a snap of a finger. Please explain to me exactly how a 74 year old woman (with shopping bags in both hands) blocks flammable liquid being spray point blank into her face? It was an ambushed attack. Not even James Bond could have avoided being burned.
I'm so sick and tired of people saying what she could have, should have, would have done.
She wasn't a Navy Seal.
She wasn't Master of Shaolin.
Her "weapon" of choice was plain simple kindness. She took in homeless people. She gave food and shelter to those who needed it. She was kind and thoughtful of her neighbors.
And for that, she was killed.
If people truly want to honor Deloris Gillespie. They should start caring for others and NOT just themselves. We need more people like her.
I made you people better then that.
Why attack God? He may be as miserable as we are.
- Erik Satie -
Rosita said:
I am always being misunderstood on this site. Nothing new for me, it has been a life time thing, because I have always refused to accept society's limitations on myself because of gender, age and other circumstances.Yeah, people in Brooklyn don't like you because you're too progressive. Your self defense classes must have greatly improved your flexibility for you to blow smoke up your own butt.
MOD NOTE: Whoa now, let's all remember the rules and no personal attacks. Thanks.
...not that there's anything wrong with that. -
eastbloc said:
Screw the perp -- I hope he rots, but also I've got to question Patch's journalistic qualities here. Other papers reported that the woman's son himself suffered from mental illness, and here they write a whole article dedicated to him as a source."All she did was give," well, this guy says that she failed to pay him money he was owed. Definitely no excuse for burning the woman, but if you look at MSNBC you'll see their reportage on neighbors' attitudes went from "we loved her and I can't imagine who would do this to her" to "she was always a crazy paranoid bitch who would duct tape her doors any time she left the apartment."
It's a deplorable, insanely cruel act, but I'm somewhat reassured by the notion that they knew each other, and whatever the facts in the case, it wasn't completely random. Just sayin'.
Yes, there has been lots of sloppy reporting by the various news sources. For example, the age of the deceased has varied. There also seems to be conflicting accounts about whether he lived with her, and whether they were domestic partners.
The Voice presently stating that Mr Isaac had no prior criminal record:
Cops say that Isaac, who does not have a prior criminal record, claimed Gillespie owed him money ($2,000) -- a matter over which he'd apparently been harassing her for a while.
I have to admit, I find that pretty surprising.
Even though this act is by no means random, I'd like to think that all middle age people who torch people in elevators (even those who believe they are owed $2k, and are alleged to have stolen items from their "employer") have a lengthy criminal record which involves violence.
Because Ms. Isaac made part of his living recycling cans, seems to have a thing for fire and has reportedly been in the neighborhood for a while, I wonder whether Mr. Isaac had anything to do with various trash fires Underhill was plagued with a few years ago....
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
whynot_31 said:
The Voice is stating that Mr Isaac had no prior criminal record:Cops say that Isaac, who does not have a prior criminal record, claimed Gillespie owed him money ($2,000) -- a matter over which he'd apparently been harassing her for a while.
I have to admit, I find that pretty surprising. Even though this act is by no means random, I'd like to think that all middle age people who torch people in elevators over a perceived debt of $2k, and are alleged to have stolen from their "employer" (the deceased) have a criminal history.
Because Ms. Isaac made part of his living recycling cans, and seems to have a thing for fire, I wonder whether Mr. Isaac had anything to do with various trash fires Underhill was plagued with a few years ago....
Wasn't that a teenager doing that?
Why attack God? He may be as miserable as we are.
- Erik Satie -
No criminal record does not mean no criminal history.
If people truly want to honor Deloris Gillespie. They should start caring for others and NOT just themselves. We need more people like her.
Getting enmeshed in relationships with mentally unstable vagrants is not an example to emulate.
You want to help others, give to a registered charity. Let them worry about the crazies -- it's their job.
-
CBS NY has an image of Ms. Gillespie.
-
I imagine one of the reporters will manage to get "unofficial" access to OMH and HHC mental health records today. HIPAA is violated pretty regularly in circumstances like these....
God » Wasn't that a teenager doing that?
As I remember it, there were around 6 or so fires, and "we" saw teenagers near a few of them. ...this is mostly just my mind wanting to believe that someone who sets such a fire tends to have a history of setting fires. The facts of this case will come out slowly, and may very well proving my "hunch" to be incorrect.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I saw all the fire and police activity on Saturday night on Plaza Street and Butler Place. I'm horrified!
-
I am not posting to this site again.
It's so hard to be a saint in the city. -
Daily News confirms no prior criminal record:
“I know this is the defendant’s first offense, but the depravity of this one single act is beyond my description,” Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Taub said.
AP » Jerome Isaac appeared in court Monday with visible burns on his face and said nothing. He was held without bail. His lawyer requested solitary confinement and medical attention and did not speak outside court.
source: http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/suspect-in-nyc-torching-1264323.html
Psychiatric defense not being pursued by his attorney, making me believe Isaac has no relevant psychiatric history:
Isaac’s lawyer, Howard Tanner, did not make an application for bail or request a psychiatric evaluation.
The councilwoman said Gillespie — who cut off Isaac for stealing from her Prospect Heights apartment — never got an order of protection against him because she didn’t know his full name.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Council member Tish James is stating the deceased reportedly wrote letters, requesting help stopping harassment from the accused.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James -- who knew Gillespie -- says Gillespie's family told her she had written letters saying Isaac was threatening and harassing her.
Will we soon get reports that the police were called numerous times, but were unable (or unwilling) to make an arrest?
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
Welcome! Please log in to post, or register a new account!