Westchester Man Charged with Killing Girlfriend with Hammer

The 33-year-old victim was a teaching assistant in the New York City school system, prosecutors say.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:50am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered hammer head against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the violent weapon used in a domestic homicide.A brutal hammer attack exposes the grim realities of domestic violence in one New York community.Mount Vernon Today

Joveair Brice, 28, of Mount Vernon, New York, has been arraigned on felony second-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his 33-year-old girlfriend, Lisa Grier, a paraprofessional in the NYC school system. Brice is accused of striking Grier in the head with a hammer several times between March 20 and March 21, resulting in her death.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and resources to protect victims. As a teaching assistant in the New York City school system, the victim's death is especially impactful for the local community.

The details

According to the felony complaint, Brice allegedly struck Grier, of Mount Vernon, in the head with a hammer several times, killing her. The case was investigated by the Mount Vernon Police Department and is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

  • The alleged incident occurred between March 20 and March 21, 2026.
  • Brice was arraigned on the charges on April 15, 2026.

The players

Joveair Brice

A 28-year-old resident of Mount Vernon, New York, who has been charged with felony second-degree murder for allegedly killing his girlfriend.

Lisa Grier

A 33-year-old teaching assistant in the New York City school system who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Joveair Brice.

Susan Cacace

The Westchester County District Attorney who announced the charges against Brice and is overseeing the prosecution of the case.

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What they’re saying

“The horrific murder of Lisa Grier must serve as a wake-up call to all of us in New York, a stark reminder of the everyday perils of domestic violence.”

— Susan Cacace, Westchester County District Attorney

What’s next

Brice is scheduled to return to court on April 20, 2026, where a judge will determine if he will be granted bail or remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater awareness, resources, and support to address domestic violence in our communities. As a society, we must do more to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent such senseless acts of violence.