Final suspect in Hell's Kitchen drugging and robbery cases arraigned
NEW YORK -- The latest suspect caught and charged with drugging and robbing people in Hell's Kitchen was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon.
In two of the cases, the victims died from overdoses.
Jayqwan Hamilton, 35, was arrested on Monday and is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, grand larceny and identity theft.
"I don't believe the people of New York are safe unless he's behind bars and he's in jail," said Linda Clary, the mother of victim John Umberger.
READ MORE: Suspect Jacob Barroso, 30, arrested in connection to deadly NYC drugging spree
Clary was in the courtroom to see for herself the man charged with being in a trio of suspects who allegedly drugged and robbed bargoers.
Clary talked to CBS2 about her faith requiring she find some way to forgive all suspects involved in her son's death.
Umberger, who was a political consultant, was visiting the city and never recovered after he was drugged.
Julio Ramirez, a social worker, also died in the roofie-and-robbery spree.
The arrests of the men, plus two more allegedly connected to 17 cases, bring Clary a small sliver of relief. She said the process took too long.
"We need to reform our entire prison system and our judicial system, and to me, that's a bigger issue for us as Americans," Clary said.
"This investigation took a long time, but I think the results speak for themselves, that everything was done to make sure we held those accountable who committed these crimes," NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.
"The defendants had no regard for whether victims ever recovered from being drugged," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg added. "Their motive, we allege, was simple -- to make money. The defendants use these substances as weapons to incapacitate their victims, giving them an opportunity steal their phones and credit cards."
Investigators shared with reporters what they call some of the strongest evidence in this case.
"Among the results returned were two videos depicting Hamilton and DeMayo in the victim's apartment. In another, the victim is seen on the bed, apparently unconscious, in the same pose as he was later found deceased," NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said.
There is at least one separate gang responsible for more than a dozen other similar drug-facilitated robberies in Manhattan. That is the ring believed responsible for the drug death of fashion designer Katherine Gallagher.
Umberger's mother wants all victims to come forward and anyone enjoying New York City nightlife to remember the following advice:
"Never let yourself be alone and don't go out alone. Have a buddy system," Clary said.
Hamilton is due back in court June 8.
