Albany Men Arraigned in Pine Hills Murder
Jonathan Rampersad and Khaliq Ibrahim face murder charges following the death of Arell Agapito in September.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Crime — General
Authorities have arraigned 24-year-old Jonathan Rampersad and 23-year-old Khaliq Ibrahim on murder charges in connection to the death of Arell Agapito. Agapito was found in a Pine Hills alley with a fatal gunshot wound on September 26.
Why it matters
Law enforcement officials suspect the shooting, which occurred near Elberon Place and Quail Street, is linked to the regional drug trade. The charges follow an investigation into reports of gunfire that led police to the victim.
Jonathan Rampersad faces six charges, including murder and evidence tampering, while Khaliq Ibrahim faces second-degree murder and weapons possession charges. Ibrahim is currently being held at the Albany County jail.
The players
Jonathan Rampersad
The 24-year-old defendant resides at 45 Elberon Place and faces charges including murder and evidence tampering.
Khaliq Ibrahim
The 23-year-old defendant is currently detained at the Albany County jail while facing second-degree murder and weapons charges.
Arell Agapito
The victim was discovered in a Pine Hills alley following a reported shooting.
William Little
He is the justice who oversaw the arraignment and unsealed the indictment against the defendants.
The details
Justice William Little unsealed the indictment that led to the arraignment of both defendants on October 15. Police identified the suspects following an investigation into a shooting incident reported near Elberon Place.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Police discovered Arell Agapito in a Pine Hills alley.
Early October 2026: Law enforcement apprehended Khaliq Ibrahim.
Thursday, October 15, 2026: Jonathan Rampersad and Khaliq Ibrahim were arraigned in court.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the 2024 Albany citywide anti-gang task force directive to prioritize prosecutions involving gun violence linked to narcotics distribution. It reflects ongoing efforts by the local justice system to address violent crime within the city.
Residents in the Pine Hills neighborhood may see continued police activity as the investigation proceeds. Authorities have not issued specific safety advisories, but the arraignments mark a shift toward legal proceedings following the initial shooting report.
The takeaway
Communities affected by localized violence often see increased police scrutiny following major arrests. Residents are encouraged to report any additional suspicious activity to local authorities to support ongoing investigative efforts.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Albany Crime — General page.
