FOLLOW US

According to the New York Post, at least two criminal gangs were drugging and robbing club-goers in New York City between September 2021 and December 2022. The roofie murder gangs targeted both gay and straight patrons from the Lower East Side to Hell's Kitchen. Many of the murders also include thefts from bank accounts using the victim's phones. 

At least 43 drug-facilitated thefts some of which resulted in murders are under investigation by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Ten men in one gang and five in another have been identified who are suspected in the crime wave. Six members of one gang have already been indicted for the roofie murders of two men in Hell's Kitchen.

The NYPD is still looking for three people in connection with the deaths of John Umberger and Julio Ramirez. 

The NYPD has warrants out for Jacob Barroso, 35, and Robert DeMaio,34, both from Brooklyn. And Jayquan Hamilton, 30, are all wanted in connection with those same murders.

 Kathryn "Katie" Gallagher, a fashion designer who dressed Lady Gaga and other celebrities, was also a victim of one of the two gangs. She was found dead in her apartment in July 2022. In March 2023 her death was declared a homicide by the police. 

So far, the police have not announced who they believe was responsible for her murder.

A father of one of the survivors spoke to the Post and revealed that he had presented evidence to the police, including electronic receipts from his son's phone, before the indictment was released.

 The victims often left bars with their attackers, were drugged, and then robbed. But there is also evidence that some victims were drugged in the bars. The attackers used facial recognition technology to open their victims' phones while they were unconscious. And then they drained their bank accounts.

The only suspect who has been arrested so far is Andre Butts, 28, who used Ramirez's credit card to purchase $544.38 worth of Nike shoes. He used the card after Ramirez was discovered dead in a taxi in April 2022. 

Six members of one gang, including Corey Lyons, Denzel Davis, Tyrone Gist, and Bryant Davis, were indicted on March 24, 2023, for their roles in the "roofie murders." And each faces charges of grand larceny and first-degree robbery, as well as conspiracy to drug and rob at least a dozen victims. 

The NYPD has issued warrants for the arrest of the three members of the Hell's Kitchen gang for first-degree murder.

The rise of "roofie" murders and the impact on the community

The series of crimes, which are now being dubbed the "roofie murders," has shaken the New York City community. They were originally called drug-facilitated thefts and murders by the NYPD. 

The parents of some of the victims claim that the police initially downplayed the incidents, as if they were accidental overdoses. And said that the survivors had just "fallen asleep" or passed out before being robbed.

The families also claim that the police department and the mayor's office knew something was going on and chose not to speak about it.

The series of crimes, which are now being dubbed the "roofie murders," has shaken the New York City gay community. And it has impacted club-goers and nightlife citywide.

Families are heartbroken, and residents are afraid to go out for fear of becoming victims of this violent crime spree. There are also calls for more aggressive prosecution of the criminals who are involved. And more transparency with citizens when crimes are under investigation.

Local clubs and entertainment venues are reportedly increasing safety measures, such as the installation of more surveillance cameras and hiring more private security staff, in busy nightlife areas.