Crips Leader Gets Life In Prison In BK Hookah Lounge Murder: Feds

BROOKLYN, NY — The Crips gang leader who fatally shot a rival in a crowded Brooklyn hookah lounge nearly six years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison, prosecutors announced.

Larry Pagett, 39, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for murdering Chrispine "Droppa" Philip in the Buda Hookah Lounge at 589 Flatbush Ave. on Aug. 28, 2015, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Pagett, the leader of the Flatbush Gardens-based Crips gang also known as "Biz," Biz Loc" and "Molotovbizzz," had been convicted of murder in 2018 for the slaying.

“Larry Pagett will deservedly spend the rest of his life behind bars for brazenly committing an execution-style, gang-related murder inside a lounge in Brooklyn,” stated Acting U.S Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis. “This Office will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the murderous violence of street gangs like the Eight Trey Crips and end their wanton disregard for human life.”

Pagett, now 41, had blamed Philip for the murder of an Eight Trey Crips gang member in Trinidad in the Spring of 2015, according to prosecutors. He shot him repeatedly before finally ending his life with a bullet to the back of the head, officials said.

A bystander in the crowded nightclub was also shot in the stomach and arm, but survived, prosecutors said.

The murder was recorded on video surveillance cameras inside the club.

The gang leader's 2018 conviction followed an eight-day trial.