BK Serial Killer Denied Bail In Murder Of Elderly Neighbors: DA

BROOKLYN, NY — An accused serial killer in Brooklyn is being held without bail while he awaits trial for the murder of three of his elderly neighbors, prosecutors announced.

Kevin Gavin, 66, was arraigned Tuesday for the three killings, which spanned seven years and created deep fear in the Woodson Houses, where he worked as a handyman. Gavin performed odd jobs for the three women before killing them after fights about money he said he was owed, according to prosecutors.

His arraignment comes a month after the latest victim was found with a telephone cord wrapped around her neck. Gavin was arrested a week later.

“This defendant is an alleged serial killer who murdered three of his elderly neighbors who trusted him and welcomed him into their homes only to have that trust violated in the worst way imaginable," District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. "These victims were mothers, grandmothers and beloved friends whose violent deaths have had a chilling effect inside their housing complex and on the Brownsville community. We will do everything we can to seek justice for the victims and the many family members and friends who were left without their loved ones.”

Gavin is charged with three counts of second-degree murder and one count first-degree murder for the killings. If convicted, he faces the maximum sentence of life without parole, prosecutors said.

The handyman first appeared on law enforcement's radar after the second murder, when 82-year-old Jacolia James was found lying dead in her apartment with "highly suspicious" wounds on her face and neck in April 2019, police have said.

DNA evidence recovered from James' body was eventually matched to Gavin, prosecutors said.

The break came nearly four years after the first murder of 82-year-old Myrtle McKinney, who was found by her home health aide in November 2015. Authorities initially thought McKinney had died of natural causes, but later discovered a stab wound in her neck, police said. Gavin used a steak knife from McKinney's apartment in tehkilling, according to prosecutors.

The most recent victim was Juanita Caballero. She was found by her son, who was visiting for the weekend on Jan. 15, according to police.

Prosecutors said Gavin had been trying to rob Caballero before killing her. He was caught on surveillance video using her stolen credit and debit cards a few days after the killing, they said.

Gavin is scheduled to return to court on July 6.