Backpack of Accused Serial Stabber Yields Incriminating Evidence
A bloody hooded sweatshirt and a six-inch, fixed-blade hunting knife were discovered in the backpack of Jermain Rigueur, the accused Queens serial stabber. Official statements from prosecutors on Friday report the items were recovered a day after Rigueur was apprehended, wearing the gray Mancro backpack.
Key Takeaways:
– The backpack of suspect Jermain Rigueur, accused of a serial stabbing rampage, contained a bloody sweatshirt and a six-inch hunting knife.
– Queens prosecutors assert the found items are evidence of Rigueur’s involvement in the violent crimes.
– Rigueur was apprehended following a two-day stabbing spree that left several victims in Jamaica and Springfield Gardens in Queens.
– Despite claiming innocent, Rigueur has implicated himself in some ways during the investigation.
Tracing Trails of Violence
The wave of violence perpetrated by Rigueur spanned two days, leaving a trail of victims across Jamaica and Springfield Gardens. His violent rampage caused the city to be on edge, particularly nearby neighborhoods. Police believe he was armed with the recovered knife during his reign of attacks.
Local officials voice their concern after the alarming events. “New Yorkers have to be able to live and work and play here in the city of New York and know that they are safe,” said Queens DA Melinda Katz. Rigueur’s arrest led to his arraignment Friday in Queens Criminal Court on attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession charges.
A Suspect’s Admittance
During Rigueur’s arrest, even without a search warrant, cops had reasons to believe he had a knife. Upon being apprehended at his residence, an officer posed a safety question to Rigueur, inquiring if he had anything that “will poke me or cut me.” Rigueur responded, stating that he had a knife in his backpack.
Moreover, when shown surveillance pictures of the suspect, Rigueur identified himself in the photos. Brendan Quinones, an assistant Queens DA, stated during the arraignment, “The case that the people have presented here is a strong case.”
Defending an Accused
Rigueur, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Arthur Edwards, dismissed the accusations against him as “baseless.” He defended Rigueur’s character, mentioning his lack of prior criminal convictions and his immigrant family background. Despite the evidence against Rigueur, Edwards insists on his client’s innocence, stating, “we believe that the people will be unable to sustain these charges at trial.”
A Slew of Violent Attacks
Prosecutors allege Rigueur attacked four unrelated individuals over two days, even reportedly laughing at one victim. Already, the prosecutors have painted a damning picture for Rigueur, detailing a series of unprovoked, violent attacks, linking him to four separate incidents of stabbings over two days.
The court is yet to hear the defendant’s side of the story. Meanwhile, another assault Rigueur might be linked to remains under investigation. Recently moved from Suffolk County, L.I., to Queens, Rigueur is an employee at Woodhull Hospital in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where he serves as a greeter. His identification, seen in a surveillance video, is believed to have led to his arrest.
By ensuring Rigueur answers for these alleged crimes, the people of Queens hope to reestablish peace and safety in their neighborhoods. The gruesome evidence found in his backpack and his self-implicating statements make this a case to follow with keen interest.