Man Convicted in Killings of 4 Homeless New Yorkers

Jury rejects insanity defense in 2019 Chinatown attacks

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A man has been found guilty of first-degree murder for fatally beating four homeless individuals sleeping on the streets of New York City's Chinatown neighborhood in 2019. The jury rejected the defendant's insanity defense.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing homelessness and mental health issues in major cities, as well as the difficulties in determining criminal culpability when mental illness is a factor.

The details

The defendant was convicted of brutally attacking and killing four homeless men who were sleeping on the streets of Chinatown in 2019. Despite the defendant's insanity defense, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder for the premeditated killings.

  • The attacks took place in Chinatown in 2019.

The players

The defendant

The individual convicted of first-degree murder for the killings of four homeless men in Chinatown in 2019.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved mental health resources and support services for vulnerable populations, as well as the complexities involved in determining criminal responsibility when mental illness is a factor.