NYC Gangsters Allegedly Threatened to Kill Murder Trial Witness' Family

Two alleged members of a violent Bronx gang posted chilling threats against a witness and his family on social media during a recent murder trial.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged two alleged members of a violent Bronx gang, Tyshawn 'Ty Boogie' Palmer and Hassan 'Twin' Brown, with witness tampering and retaliation for posting threats on social media to kill the young son and pregnant wife of a witness who helped convict a gang leader of murder. The witness testified during the trial despite the threats, and the gang leader was convicted of all charges.

Why it matters

Witness intimidation and retaliation are serious issues that can undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. This case highlights the lengths that some criminal organizations will go to silence those who cooperate with law enforcement and testify against them in court.

The details

According to prosecutors, Palmer and Brown, who are members of the 'Mac Ballers' sect of the Bloods gang, posted threats on Instagram during the recent federal trial of Lamar 'Black' Williams, a leader of the Mac Ballers. The posts included a photo of the witness and his young child, a kindergarten student, along with the message 'We gon killa season at that lil n—ga school.' The defendants also posted a photo of the witness's pregnant wife at her baby shower and called the witness a 'rat' and a 'snitch.' Despite the threats, the witness testified, and Williams was convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, murder through use of a firearm, and racketeering conspiracy.

  • On August 11, 2013, Lamar 'Black' Williams allegedly murdered 28-year-old Rasheed Barton in a targeted hit.
  • In February 2026, Lamar 'Black' Williams was convicted of all charges he faced, including murder in aid of racketeering.
  • On February 18, 2026, Tyshawn 'Ty Boogie' Palmer and Hassan 'Twin' Brown were arrested by federal agents for allegedly posting threats against the witness and his family on social media.

The players

Tyshawn 'Ty Boogie' Palmer

A 32-year-old alleged member of the 'Mac Ballers' sect of the Bloods gang who was arrested for witness tampering and retaliation.

Hassan 'Twin' Brown

A 34-year-old alleged member of the 'Mac Ballers' sect of the Bloods gang who was arrested for witness tampering and retaliation.

Lamar 'Black' Williams

A 35-year-old leader of the 'Mac Ballers' sect of the Bloods gang who was convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, murder through use of a firearm, and racketeering conspiracy.

Rasheed Barton

A 28-year-old man who was allegedly murdered by Lamar 'Black' Williams in 2013.

Jay Clayton

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.