STATEMENT BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RICHARD A. BROWN

Anthony Garcia, 25, of 53-01 Junction Boulevard, Elmhurst, has been charged with Murder 1°, Murder 2° (3 counts) and various counts of robbery and weapons possession in connection with the events of a week ago last Thursday night at Jilliann’s Jewelry Store in Bayside.

I was at the crime scene and saw first hand that which occurred. Fausto Rodriguez, the store’s owner, was shot at least four times as he struggled with the gunman. What made matters even worse was the fact that he was shot in front of his horrified and hysterical wife.

Mr. Rodriguez was beloved by his customers and neighbors. His death is a terrible tragedy and his alleged killer will be vigorously prosecuted. Under New York State’s death penalty statute I must decide within 120 days of the defendant’s arraignment on indictment whether or not to seek the death penalty.

Garcia is also charged with having committed four gunpoint robberies in Queens County during last month -- the August 7th robbery of a plumbing and heating establishment at 40-18 Ditmars Boulevard; the August 17th robbery of a grocery store at 41-02 Astoria Boulevard; the August 21st robbery of a discount store at 37-07 30th Avenue; and the August 27th robbery of a Dairyland at 55-07 69th Street. He faces up to 25 years in prison on each robbery. He is also charged with having committed the August 29th burglary of a private residence in Flushing and faces up to 15 years on that charge.

It is to be noted that a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.