Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
Deputy Inspector Brian Bohannon
By Michael V. Cusenza
Area residents on Tuesday were still reeling from reports of a savage rape at a Lindenwood co-op gathered at St. Helen Catholic Academy in Howard Beach for some solidarity and answers from elected leaders at the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association meeting.
“It was heinous, and once again shook us to our very core,” said civic President Joann Ariola-Shanks, referencing the brutal sexual assault and murder of Karina Vetrano in Spring Creek Park three years ago.
106th Precinct commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Brian Bohannon, told the large crowd inside St. Helen’s cafeteria that the alleged offender, Joshua Henderson, found himself in cuffs rather quickly.
“Just wanted to let you guys know: we almost immediately had an idea who the perp might be,” he said. “In about 40 hours [after the crime], this individual was placed into custody.”
Some residents wanted to know why this even occurred, considering Henderson’s lengthy arrest record, his status as a recidivist offender—and the fact that he is currently on parole.
Daniel Saunders, executive assistant district attorney for the Queens DA’s Office’s Major Case Division, said the system isn’t perfect.
“Parole—there really is no formula to it,” Saunders said before acknowledging Henderson’s relatively low bail [$100,000] for his role in a spate of recent Manhattan burglaries.
“The criminal justice system is under tremendous pressure to reduce the prison population,” he added.
