Serial Killer Suspect Kevin Gavin Allegedly Confesses, Faces Judge Following Arrest For Murders At Brooklyn NYCHA Building
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The man accused of killing three women at a NYCHA senior housing development allegedly confessed to the crimes.
Kevin Gavin, 66, now faces three counts of second degree murder.
As CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reports, Gavin's first appearance before a judge was through a video conference while behind bars.
Prosecutors say Gavin confessed to killing three women at NYCHA's Carter Woodson senior housing development in Brownsville, Brooklyn where he lived and was described as being a handyman.
MORE: NYPD: Kevin Gavin Killed 3 Women At Carter G. Woodson Houses, A Home For Seniors In Brooklyn
"I'm so glad, oh God, that police have been able to find him," one person said.
According to court documents, allegedly admitted to pushing 92-year-old Myrtle McKenny into a table where a steak knife was located on Nov. 9, 2015. She died of a puncture wound to the neck.
Court documents go on to say that on April 30, 2019, Gavin choked 83-year-old Jacolia James and stomped on her neck three times. Last week, during a struggle, Gavin allegedly wrapped a telephone cord around 78-year-old Juanita Cabarello's neck.
MORE: 78-Year-Old Woman Found Dead With Cord Wrapped Around Neck In Brooklyn NYCHA Building
Police say Kevin Gavin was known to run errands for some tenants and they believe he attacked the women after arguments over money.
"Everybody he talks to. But I never suspected he was a guy like that," one person said.
Gavin has prior arrests involving drugs, burglary and weapons possession.
Meantime, residents are calling for more cameras and safety upgrades to help them feel safe.
FLASHBACK: Residents Demand Increased Security Inside NYCHA Buildings
The complex was slated to add 65 more cameras, but that was canceled due to budget issues. The cameras recently installed in the lobby played no role in this case, since the suspect was not seen on camera leaving or arriving around the time of the murders.
Police say they are investigating a fourth murder in the building, but so far it is not connected to Gavin.
MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK:
- Exclusive: Woman Brutally Attacked At Harlem Liquor Store Says Suspect Tried To Bite Her Eye Out: 'That's An Animal. That's Not A Person'
- New York City Temporarily Closes 15 Vaccine Hubs, Cancels Thousands Of Appointments Due To Shortage
- As U.S. Mourns 400,000 Lives Lost, Mayor De Blasio Wants Approval To Use Vaccine Earmarked For Second Doses For First Shots
John Dias contributed to this report.