Money Perkins: NYC laundromat owner murdered in cold blood by cousin in $30K heist, 5 suspects arrested
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion is advised.
EAST FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN: Money Perkins, the beloved owner of Money P Clean laundromat on Clarendon Road was brutally murdered on December 1, in a meticulously planned $30,000 heist, orchestrated by none other than his cousin, Ronnie Butler, and four accomplices
Perkins, diligently cleaning the top of a washing machine, was ambushed by a group clad in puffer jackets, identified as Butler, 46, Louis Mercado, 48, Shaleek Riddick, 19, Diante Stinson, 20, and Mercado's 16-year-old stepson, drew guns on the victim, leading to a violent struggle.
Cousin's fit of rage led to fatal laundromat heist
A heart-wrenching footage shows Perkins lunging at his cousin before being shot in the leg. Moments later, a fatal gunshot to the head ended the owners' life. Butler, allegedly in a fit of rage, continued the assault by smashing Perkins' head into the floor and forcefully ripping a chain from his neck.
The perpetrators fled the scene in a white Honda Accord, carrying the ill-gotten $30,000 necklace. A witness, fearing for their life, hid in the back of the laundromat during the horrific attack. Mercado, the alleged mastermind, sold the stolen necklace after the slaying, according to court papers, per the New York Post.
Surveillance and cellphone tracking leads to suspects' arrest
Surveillance footage, coupled with cellphone tracking, led investigators to the accused killers. The car used in the crime was traced back to Butler's associate, and the suspects were spotted at a deli in Far Rockaway before the murder.
Inside Mercado's closet, authorities recovered a gun crucial to the crime. The four adult suspects, stone-faced, were led out of the 67th Precinct station house in cuffs and held without bail during their Brooklyn Criminal Court arraignment. Mercado faced additional charges related to the endangerment of a child.
Accused killers' troubling criminal history
The accused killers have a disturbing history of prior arrests, including assault, criminal possession of a weapon, burglary, and robbery, according to sources. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the 'horrific and senseless' murder, pledging to hold all those responsible to full account.
"The horrific and senseless murder of Money Perkins, a loving father, husband, and hardworking entrepreneur, devastated not only his family but the entire community," expressed Gonzalez in a solemn statement.
