Fourteen Flatbush gang members are behind bars, as Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arrests of several members of the so-called “Babiiez” crime syndicate, who are allegedly responsible for at least 11 shootings. None of the arrested individuals are older than 21, but prosecutors hit them with an 81 count indictment, including charges for conspiracy to commit murder and possess weapons. “It is disturbing that young people in our communities are engaged in the type of brazen and senseless gun violence described in this indictment,” Gonzalez said in a statement. …
Op-ed: How to end the senseless bloodshed in the five boroughs
James Solano was described by his family and friends as “energetic” — a young man who always had his mind on the future. He was heavily involved in a local after-school program, and was widely beloved by his counselors. On Dec. 23 of last year, just two days before Christmas, he was shot in the neck and killed outside a bodega in Morrisania. He was just a few blocks from his home. James was more than a statistic. He had a unique life, and his entire family and community has been left devastated by his untimely death. But his senseless murder was part of a disturbing…