Imani McColley indicted for unprovoked murder and robbery in Chelsea, Manhattan
A 25-year-old man has been indicted for allegedly murdering 60-year-old Lawrence Parente outside a Chelsea store on 11 October 2026. The suspect was arrested 50 minutes later with the victim's wallet in his possession.
Chelsea man stomped to death in unprovoked sidewalk attack, suspect indicted
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. has announced the indictment of Imani McColley, 25, for the alleged murder and robbery of Lawrence Parente, 60, outside a store near West 20th Street and Eighth Avenue in Chelsea on 11 October 2026, according to manhattanda.org.
McColley faces two counts each of Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree, as well as one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree for allegedly damaging an NYPD patrol vehicle while under arrest.
At approximately 9:06 p.m. on the night of the incident, McColley entered a store from which he had previously been banned. A dispute broke out between McColley and store employees, who asked him to leave. As the argument continued, Parente entered the store and attempted to walk past McColley. Without any apparent provocation, McColley allegedly grabbed Parente by the neck, forced him outside, and pushed him to the ground.
McColley then allegedly stomped on Parente's head multiple times as he lay on the sidewalk, before reaching into his pockets and taking his wallet and cellphone. McColley walked away, leaving Parente on the pavement.
Parente was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
Approximately 50 minutes after the attack, police officers located and arrested McColley near the store. During the arrest, he allegedly kicked and shattered a rear window of an NYPD patrol car. Officers recovered Parente's wallet from McColley's possession.
"Lawrence Parente was allegedly murdered in a brutal and unprovoked act of violence on a Manhattan sidewalk," District Attorney Bragg said. "As alleged, Imani McColley violently assaulted Mr. Parente, senselessly ending the life of a beloved New Yorker. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and this indictment marks an important step toward holding the defendant accountable and securing justice for Mr. Parente's loved ones, who are still grappling with his devastating death."
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant D.A.s Nicholas Penfold and John Babcock, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Siobhan Carty, Chief of Trial Bureau 80, and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo, Chief of the Trial Division. Henry Irwin and Investigative Analyst Tea Rufino, both of Trial Bureau 80, are also assisting in the case.
D.A. Bragg acknowledged the contributions of the NYPD, including Detective Gene Ruda, Officer Jennifer Carusso, Lieutenant Roger Ordonez, Officer Gary Bonillabonilla of the 10th Precinct, Detective Albert Vitarelli of the Detective Borough Manhattan South Homicide Squad, and Detective Charles Morro.
The charges in the indictment are allegations only; McColley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)