Bronx Voice December 4, 2019

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HUNT FOR BAPTISM KILLER GOES COLD?

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3rd Year, No.53

Dad gunned down outside christening, parties continue Pages 8 & 9

Kids awestruck by Zoo Holiday lights return Page 15

December 4 - 10, 2019

A family photo of Edgar Perez of Norwood, who was shot and killed on August 25.

Police in standoff during holiday domestic dispute

2• BRONX VOICE• December 4 - 10, 2019

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By David Greene

Police responding to a call of a domestic dispute, apparently heard a single gunshot-that kicked-off a 3-hour standoff with police.

Officers from the 52nd Precinct were called to 3180 Villa Avenue, at just before 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 30.

Police eventually

Photos by David Greene

(Left) After a 3-hour stand off with police, officers take Anthony Ditta, 41, into custody. (Above) Girlfriend and potential hostage Yelitza Garcia, 37, is strapped face-down to a gurney as she heads for a psychological evaluation before going to jail.

stormed the apartment and placed suspect Anthony Ditta, 41, under arrest.

His girlfriend, first thought to be hostage, Yelitza Garcia, 37, was taken by paramedics, before she too was arrested.

Both were charged with criminal possession of a firearm and assault, Ditta was also charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of marijuana.

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Drug trafficker gets 12 years after authorities seize $3 Mil worth of cocaine

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A drug trafficker who pled guilty to selling cocaine and crack to local dealers, will spend the next 12 years in prison, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced.

The Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Operating as a Major Trafficker for distributing large amounts of cocaine in the Bronx and elsewhere.

District Attorney Clark said, “We will stop traffickers of any illicit drugs that devastate lives and neighborhoods.

This defendant flooded an area of the Bronx with cocaine and now he will serve serious time in prison.”

Clark said the defendant, Alvon Pierre, 45 of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and five

years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice John W. Carter. The defendant pleaded guilty on October 30, 2019 to Operating as a Major Trafficker and third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

According to the year-long investigation by the Bronx

District Attorney’s Office, NYPD Bronx Gang Squad, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, the defendant trafficked large quantities of cocaine, which was sold in bulk to distributors, and which in turn was sold in $10 and $20 packets, sometimes in crack form, on Val-

entine Avenue between the Grand Concourse and East 187th Street.

On February 28, 2019, investigators seized 176 pounds (80 kilos) of cocaine with a street value of almost $3 million in a vehicle and packed in suitcases in an apartment on 191st Street in Flushing, Queens that was connected to Pierre

and a co-defendant.

Pierre was one of 19 people indicted earlier this year for trafficking cocaine sold in the Bronx and elsewhere, and club drugs sold at nightspots throughout New York City. In addition to Pierre, seven defendants have also pleaded guilty, to various narcotics possession charges.

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DJ gunned down outside nightclub

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By David Greene Police are looking for a gunman who shot and killed a Brooklyn Deejay outside of a University Avenue nightclub.

Officers were called to the Krystal Bar & Lounge, located at 1534

University Avenue, at just after 11 p.m., on Saturday, November 30.

The victim, 26 year-old Oliver Askia was transported by taxi to Jacobi Hospital, where he died a short time later.

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Brooklyn deejay Oliver Askia, 26, was shot dead outside the Krystal Bar & Lounge where he was spinning records.

Photo by David Greene

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Baptism crasher suspected of gunning down Dad

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By David Greene A family in Norwood is preparing for the holidays three months after the patriarch was gunned down outside of a local church. The NYPD's 'Warrant Squad' continues to hunt for the "known," but not yet publicly identified suspect.

Edgar Perez, 46, was hosting a late-night baptism party on August 25, in the basement of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Avenue, when a man who had attempted to crash the party earlier in the evening, shot him outside the church.

Edgar Perez, Jr., 22, stated that his family moved out of their home in the days after the killing, but some still reside in the Norwood community. Speaking of the police investigation, Pe-

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Daniel Daniel Gesslein Gesslein

Associate Editor-News David Greene A family photo of Edgar Perez of Norwood, who was shot and killed on August 25.

rez said, "They haven't called me or anything.

We call them and ask if they caught him or if they knew anything new about the guy and they just say that they’re on his trail.”

Perez claims that investigators told him the suspect may have been spotted in a park in Highbridge.

Perez claimed that investigators had identified the gunman two days after the killing, he recalled, "We already knew who the guy was. We weren't familiar with the guy like family, but he was a friend of a friend.”

Speaking about the contradictions in statements made in two daily newspapers, Perez confirmed that the ex-girlfriend of the gunman had

crashed their party. When the gunman attempted to follow her into the basement banquet hall of the church the initial dispute began.

Perez stated that his father was a dog lover and would often be seen walking through the neighborhood with his beloved dog "Lucky."

Perez said of his father, "He was a family man, he never got into problems.”

Asked if the family received any comfort in knowing that the killer has been identified, Edgar replied, "Not really, because they haven't caught the guy yet. Three weeks after my father died there was another shooting and they caught the guy the next day, so

I'm wondering why they haven't caught this guy.”

"I hope he turns himself in," Edgar remarked as he stood down the block from his former home. He continued, "He's already looking at 25-to-life, it's over for his life. The more he hides, the worse it will be for him when the cops finally catch him.”

Edgar Perez and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February. Perez is also survived by Perez' 18 year-old brother and 22 year-old sister.

NYPD spokeswoman and Detective Annette Shelton said on October 7, "There are no updates at this time and the investigation continues" into Perez' killing.

Culinary Editor Morris Gut

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Dad gunned down, parties continue

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By David Greene Just six-days after Edgar Perez, 46, a Mexican immigrant and father of three was shot and killed after renting a banquet hall in the basement of a Norwood church--the church continued to hold its late night parties.

Perez, a popular cook, paid more than $2,000 to rent out the hall-- in the basement of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church at 3061 Bainbridge Avenue, for a baptism celebration of a family member.

Police say Perez was shot once in the back by a would-be party crasher. Witnesses have stated that the gunman's ex-girlfriend was inside with her new boyfriend, enjoying the free food and booze.

Perez apparently confronted the young suspect as the party was winding down, at just after 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. Perez died a short time later at Montefiore Hospital.

Defending the practice, the owner of one local entertainment company who provides a dee-jay and photo-booth services for parties, and who worked a pair of events at the Holy Nativity, explained, "A lot of times the church

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stated that no permits for alcohol at that location and date were issued.

Crowley explained, "We checked around the vicinity there to see if there was somebody else that might have had one, but there was nothing over the weekend.”

According to Crowley, no permit had been issued for the church in the last two year's or dates where more than a dozen parties have been held since Perez' death.

When asked what happens when complaints come from the public for drinking in banquet halls or private parties, when a 1-day "Special Event Permit" from the SLA is not

applied for, Crowley responded, "When we get the complaints we refer it to them (the NYPD) because there's nothing we can do. We can fine a licensee, we can take a license away, but we don't have any jurisdiction other than that. It's a local police issue.”

Crowley was then asked if someone rents a "hall" and guests bring their own booze without getting a permit from the SLA is that skirting the law? He replied, "That absolutely does.”

On August 30, a handful of community residents paid homage to Perez at a makeshift memorial steps away from the church, as workers

unloaded sound and lighting equipment from double-parked rental trucks for a "Sweet 15 Party" inside the church's basement. After learning about the party, a man at the vigil stated, "That's not possible... I can't understand, that's a church, why do they have a bar?" The woman replied, "No, no, they rent out a hall downstairs to hold the fiesta." The man nodded in acknowledgement.

As that party was setting up, the unidentified man who rents out the hall for the church, stood at the church's entrance as equipment was brought into a side

themselves don't have a liquor license to be able to sell liquor, it's always just the room itself and the actual patrons or guests that rent the room. It's kind of bring your own alcohol.”

The entertainment provider continued, “They will rent a room to throw parties and that party will have an open bar, but they'll charge people, say $60 a head.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 So there not technically selling liquor, because their giving it away, because you need a liquor license to sell liquor, but your selling a ticket for the experience in giving the liquor away, so that's a way they kind of get around it.”

After multiple reports of alcohol consumption at the church and worker's observed removing bags of liquor bottles from inside and left on the curb outside the church, Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the State Photo by David Greene Liquor Authority (SLA) Professional party-planners return to the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in the Bronx, just six was contacted and he days after Edgar Perez, 46, was shot and killed after hosting his own party.

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Hot 97 hands out turkeys in the Boogie Down

12• BRONX VOICE• December 4 - 10, 2019

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined the cast of HOT 97’s “Ebro in the AM” to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys on November 27, 2019. Also participating in the event were HOT 97’s program director TT Torrez, City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, Assembly Member Michael Blake and

others.

“I want to thank the entire crew at HOT 97 for thinking of The Bronx this holiday season and hosting this Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. We greatly appreciate their support in helping to make the holiday season a little easier for dozens of Bronx families,” said Diaz Jr.

Once again this year, Fidelis Care is providing coupons for free turkeys to help New York families have a hearty, healthy holiday meal. More than 14,000 coupons are being dis-

tributed to agencies, schools, and organizations that partner with Fidelis Care statewide. In turn, the coupons are given to families who benefit from extra support, particularly during

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Fidelis provides more than 14,000 coupons for free holiday turkeys the holidays.

"The holidays are a wonderful opportunity for Fidelis Care to give back to the communities and families we serve, working together with our partners across

New York State," said Pam Hassen, Chief Member Engagement Officer.

"This is a special tradition that brightens people's lives during this time of year.”

Since 2009, Fi-

delis Care has provided more than 125,000 coupons for free turkeys, in partnership with nearly 8,500 local organizations, benefiting residents across New York State.

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‘Dexter’ star, Lincoln Hospital, use Shakespeare to discuss aging issues

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln was honored to host the special theatrical presentation of Theater of War Productions' The King Lear Project in the Lincoln auditorium.

Adapted and facilitated

by Theater of War Productions’ Co-Founder and Artistic Director Bryan Doerries, The King Lear Project, is designed to catalyze discussions that address the challenges of aging, dementia, elder abuse, and senior caregiving. The audience discussion after the performance at Lincoln included 100 plus members of the community from senior centers, many caregivers, and clinicians from Lincoln,

Actors featured David Zayas (Lear-an elderly King of Britain), Marjolaine Goldsmith, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Linda Powell, Chinaza Uche and Bryan Doerries.

and addressed challenges faced by the Bronx community.

“We are delighted to bring this critical discussion on dementia, aging and caregiving to Lincoln and the Bronx,” stated Milton Nunez, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln. “Theater of War Productions has created

a unique, interactive and powerful tool to dialogue with our community. It is respectful, insightful, intuitive and exciting.”

Theater of War Productions is a social-impact theater company that uses seminal plays to provide an entry point into difficult conversations about public health and social issues.

Created with an audience of caregivers and older adults in mind, the King Lear Project pres-

The community discussion followed the performance.

ents scenes from Shakespeare’s King Lear to spark discussions designed to break down the isolation that can accompany aging and caregiving, through a deeper understanding of complex family and caregiver dynamics.

“We are deeply grateful to partner with Lincoln to present our projects to its communities,” said Bryan Doerries, Theater of War Productions. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with upcoming presentations that will welcome diverse voices as we work together to make space for difficult conversations that have the power to create new connections and strengthen the community.”

The King Lear Project is made possible by the generous support of the

Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), and the Weissman Foundation, in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library.

Lincoln will host a second Theater of War Productions presentation, Hercules in The Bronx, featuring readings of scenes from Euripides’ Madness of Hercules, which will include engaging discussions about the impact of violence on a community.

This will also take place at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Located at 149th Street and Morris Avenue in the Mott Haven section, this will be a great opportunity to create dialogue on a critical issue.

After 11 yrs, Zoo lights up the holidays once again

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The Bronx Zoo flipped the ceremonial switch to officially turn on Holiday Lights for the first time in 11 years. The opening ceremony welcomed back an updated version of a long-standing holiday tradition.

Bronx Zoo Director Jim Breheny spoke to a crowd of excited guests and VIPs on hand for the first look at the new displays. The festivities will run on select evenings fthrough January 5.

Holiday Lights features dazzling wildlife-themed LED light displays; a custom animal lantern safari; animated light shows set to music on the zoo’s historic Astor Court; ice carving demonstrations; holiday train rides; seasonal treats; and more.

“It is exciting to have this great holiday tradition back at the Bronx Zoo and I think people really enjoy the experience of being in the zoo at night,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director. “The LED lights allow us to minimize energy use while celebrating the season with beautiful animal-themed light displays that you’d expect to see at the Bronx Zoo.” Each night of Holiday

Lights programming, holiday revelers will also enjoy a line-up of holiday themed activities that include carolers, costume characters, train rides, lantern safari, and nightly ice carving demonstrations. From December 21 to 31, there will be an Ice Jubilee featuring an ice bar, ice throne, ice slide, and an ice carving competition on December 28.

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Tickets for the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are priced at $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children, and $28.95 for seniors. Holiday Lights will be 5 to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5 to 10pm Friday and Saturday November 29 through January 5.

The schedule of event dates, activities and ticketing information are available now at bronxzoo.com.

Holiday Lights will be closed on December 24. The Bronx Zoo and Holiday Lights will be closed on December 25 and January 1.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is sponsored by Con Edison.

Photos by Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

16• BRONX VOICE• December 4 - 10, 2019

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Where to dine after train show

The glittering annual Holiday Train Show is on track thru January 26th at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx near Fordham University. It’s a real seasonal treat; a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking thru the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This years’ theme is ‘Central Park’. Special ‘Bar Car Nights’ will feature cocktails and food from the Bronx Night Market pop-up. (For additional info and tickets: www. nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach suggestions…

ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, 394 CITY ISLAND AVE., CITY ISLAND, BRONX 718-885-9885

Owner Spiros Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo

Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too.

A variety of craft beers are on hand. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days.

Free parking. www.artiescityisland.com MARIO’S RESTAURANT, 2342 ARTHUR AVE., BRONX 718-584-1188

carrots, hot peppers and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread. Great appetizers include: Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such specialties as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Tripe a la Livornese.

Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. www. mariosrestarthurave. com

Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution.

Amiable Joe Migliucci, the current patriarch, is there with his wife Bar- BRONX BEER HALL, bara, daughter Regina 2344 ARTHUR AVE., and sons Michael and BRONX Mario. This restaurant 347-396-0555 has a long 100-year Located inside the hishistory full of colorful toric Arthur Ave. Retail chapters. For starters en- Market, not far from joy the palate pleasing Fordham University and lagniappe of marinated

NYBG, the Bronx Beer Hall is a good place to hang for good locally sourced sandwiches and craft beers. Mike’s Deli just down the aisle coordinates some the food service with the bar and it is good, hearty Italian. The beers are from all over the map. Good spot for mingling and networking. Entertainment schedule. Open 7 days. www.bronxbeerhall.com TONY & TINA’S PIZZERIA, 2483 ARTHUR AVE, BRONX 718-733-8094

It is a pizzeria, for sure, but this Albanian/ Mediterranean-themed eatery on the corner of 189th St. is all about their popular Bureks, flaky Balkan phyllo pies with your choice of fill-

ings: pumpkin, spinach, ground meat, or cheese.

Their homemade yogurt goes well as a dipping sauce. There is a house made Baklava for dessert. Open daily. Street parking.

ALVIN & FRIENDS, 14 MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, NEW ROCHELLE 914-654-6549

Proprietor, artist, model, and consummate host Alvin Clayton is marking his 10th year in New Rochelle with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean, and spirited jazz sessions. Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe: Alvin’s colorful paintings dramatically line the walls, big hanging lighting CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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Where to dine after train show CONTINUED FROM PAGE16

fixtures, a sparkling bar and community table, and a staff that makes it all very inviting. If you visit for the cuisine check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops.

Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. Combine your visit with some live music. Love their Friday night jazz featuring local talent.

Saturdays, too. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a winning combination as well. www. alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com VISTAMAR RESTAURANT, 565 CITY ISLAND AVE., BRONX 718-709-0888 Seafood and sea views on City Island.

Vistamar Restaurant & Lounge took over the sprawling space that previously operated as Don Coqui and the views are breathtaking. Evenings you can see Manhattan lights in the distance while enjoying ‘Cucina Latina’ prepared with style.

Check out the menu for such house specialties as: Seafood Tower, Mofongo, Chuleta, Rabo, King Crab Legs, and Lobster in a variety of styles. Weekly happy hours and nightlife schedule. Reservations are suggested. Private party facilities. Ample parking. www.vistamarcityisland.com 808 SOCIAL, 185 SUMMERFIELD ST., SCARSDALE 914-723-2600 Talented Chef Sal Cucullo, Jr., who op-

erates The 808 Bistro in Scarsdale, is also a partner/executive chef at nearby 808 Social.

It is a more casual laid-back spot featuring tables that spill out onto the sidewalk.

The eclectic menu offers small and large plates, pizza baked in a pretty gold tiled oven, pastas and panini. An inviting bar serves specialty cocktails and a good selection of craft beers. Don’t miss the delish Italian Egg Rolls, stuffed with sausage, pepper, cheese, Napa slaw, a little dose of Sriracha and soy garlic aioli; their Calamari Tacos, and Margherita Pizza.

The Caramelized Sea Scallops are terrific, too.

Entertainment and comedy nights. Check ahead for times and schedule. www.808socialny.com THE QUARRY, 106 MAIN STREET, TUCKAHOE 914-337-0311 Owner Dominic Cesarini’s handsomely renovated bi-level 70seat dining room and bustling bar/lounge is always engaged in spirited networking.

There are artsy exposed pipes and vents on the ceiling. Handsome brown wood and clay tone walls, warm lighting fixtures and modern sturdy deep brown butcher block chairs and tables highlight the floor with large picture windows and seating looking out onto Main. The staff here is most friendly, efficient and eager to please. Cesarini, a ‘local grill man’

himself, whose family owned and operated several cafes and grills in the Bronx-Tuckahoe-Eastchester area, has kicked it up a notch with a good mix of reasonably priced American tavern comfort fare with a good dose of broccoli rabe to go around. Check out the Flatbreads, Short Ribs with garlic mashed, Filet Mignon Sliders, Pork Flatiron Scarpariello and Lamb Shank. Good burgers,

too. $10 lunch special daily. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. www. thequarryrestaurant.net HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG! There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. Early dining is recommended since they keep Garden hours to 6 pm most

days; to 10:30 p.m. on dates as noted. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www. nybg.org (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optoneline.

Dad gunned down, parties continue

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

entrance. He would

only state, "What happened last weekend has nothing to do with tonight." The man refused to answer several other questions about the parties that run past 3 a.m., repeating several times, "I can't talk about that.”

The following Sunday, members of the Good News Christian Church, which also rents space from the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, held a curbside prayer service hours after someone removed the candle memorial for Perez. One member revealed, "We abstain

from alcohol and we don't agree with the decision to serve alcohol, but it's a small church that has to raise money.”

One source at the church stated that the church has been running parties on the weekend since repairs were completed after the October 31, 2009 fire that nearly destroyed the church.

The church currently has no regular pastor.

Mick Richardson, Director of Communications for The Episcopal Diocese of New York, stated, "I'm not going to comment beyond saying that you'd have to contact the church

itself about that. If I can explain something about the way we operate and the way we're structured legally. We don't operate in the way, and we're not structured in the way that the Roman Catholic Church is. For example, we do not give any direct oversight of what our church's does with our property, unless they get to the stage of wanting to sell it.”

“They are self-administering religious operations," Richardson explained, "so if the church is doing that. I'm not saying we're not interested in knowing about this, I will certainly pass the information that you've just given me for other people to investigate, but we are not in a position to tell people not to do things or to do things in the church.”

Richardson then defended the practice, stating, "The use of alcohol at a baptism party, if it was used, and if they are not indeed licensed to serve alcohol there. If it's a private party and they’re not charging money for it, I'm not sure that there is a rule against that.”

On Perez' killing, Richardson concluded, "It's an extremely sad thing, but it's not something that happened as a result of what was going on at the party or in the church.”

After repeated attempts for comment from One Police Plaza, on Friday, September 27 this reporter reached out to a source at the 52nd Precinct Community Affairs unit, who accused this reporter of making an end-run around procedure for asking for information from a "community affairs" officer.

The officer stated, "We are aware of it and we sat down with them and they won't be having anymore parties." The officer could not say when the conversation with the church took place.

But oddly enough, no party was held that night and apparently the parties have now ended on Friday's, but the parties continue on Saturday.

After learning about the requirement of getting a one-day liquor license, Edgar Perez, Jr., a son of the victim, stated, "The people that rented us

the studio or saloon, said you can bring your own beer or liquor. We didn't know about that (a license.)

They’re always throwing parties on Friday and Saturday nights.”

Perez continued, "I think they had a party there yesterday. We were just trying to have a good time, not to have a problem or anything. We always drink, I'm not going to lie." Perez was then told if a liquor license was secured, theoretically, police could be told and officers could patrol the area.

Perez replied, "I never thought of that.”

Perez, who claims the church never even called the family to offer condolences after that tragic night, added, "I never see the church open or hold services. I always see they have the gates locked.”

A request for comment was also made with The New York City Law Department, who draft and review legislation as well as provide legal council to city officials, they have not yet responded to the request.

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