On April 2, five Queens residents were indicted by District Attorney Eric Gonzalez after a recent murder and robbery that occurred at a local laundromat. According to reports, 37-year-old Money Perkins owned his own laundromat in East Flatbush. The business, Money P. Clean, was open on December 1st when five suspects rushed into the building. Money Perkins was inside.

The suspects targeted Perkins intentionally. Three different assailants all shot at Perkins, who was struck 13 times by bullets. After the horrific shooting, the culprits went on to steal a $30,000 golden chain.

After investigating what happened, authorities were shocked to discover that the bold murder plot was set up by the victim’s own cousin. Ronnie Butler, the victim’s cousin, allegedly had an ongoing long-term dispute with Perkins. When Money opened up his own laundromat in 2022, Butler became even more envious and upset. Butler eventually brought other people into the dispute and even started to offer people money to help participate in the slaying of Perkins.

After orchestrating the murder plot, 46-year-old Ronnie Butler and four other accomplices all committed the killing, which was caught on video and digital communications.

The suspects who have been indicted include Butler, 48-year-old Luis Mercado, 16-year-old Zecharyah Slay, 19-year-old Shaleek Riddick, and 20-year-old Diante Stinson. All participants have been charged with murder, robbery, conspiracy, weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The victim was a father to three children aged 2, 8, and 17.

Have You Been Implicated in a Violent Crime?

The murder plot above was a family affair, and unfortunately, a 16-year-old teenager and his two friends became involved in the situation. Have you ever been convinced to go along with a violent crime that ultimately turned into a much bigger situation than you thought?

If so, then it’s important to hire the right legal representative as soon as possible. The right criminal defense attorney will listen to you explain all the facts of your case, go over the nature of your specific charges, and help you navigate the criminal justice process. Together, you and your attorney should come up with a defense strategy that considers your specific circumstances and the facts surrounding your case.

Sometimes, it’s best to plead not guilty and present a strong defense. At other times, it might make more sense to consult with the prosecutor and arrange a plea deal. A plea deal happens when you agree to plead guilty to a crime in exchange for receiving a lighter and reduced sentence.

In general, it’s best not to formulate a defense plan until you’ve spoken to an attorney. It’s also better not to talk to investigators or answer specific questions about the crime and your involvement until you’ve gotten solid legal counsel from an attorney.

If you’re in Brooklyn or a nearby area and you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney, then we’re ready to help. Schedule a call with our team now to discuss your charges in more detail with one of our best lawyers.