Queens Grand Jury Indicted Suspect in Fatal Stabbing
A grand jury has indicted Bretford Brewer for the murder of 36-year-old Carlos Penzo in Long Island City.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Crime — General
A Queens grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Bretford Brewer for the murder of Carlos Penzo, who was found with multiple stab wounds. Brewer now faces charges including second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Why it matters
The indictment follows a violent incident at a Long Island City apartment building where building staff held the suspect until police arrived. If convicted, the defendant faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison.
Bretford Brewer was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on September 18, 2026, and is currently being remanded to custody. He is scheduled to return to court on December 11.
The players
Bretford Brewer
The 36-year-old suspect has been indicted on charges of murder, weapon possession, and public lewdness.
Carlos Penzo
The 36-year-old victim was found fatally stabbed inside his fourth-floor apartment in Long Island City.
Ushir Pandit-Durant
The Queens Supreme Court Justice presided over the arraignment and ordered the defendant remanded to custody.
108th Precinct
This New York City Police Department unit responded to the emergency call regarding the homicide.
The details
Police from the 108th Precinct responded to a 911 call at 43-25 Hunter Street, where they discovered Carlos Penzo with multiple stab wounds to his face, neck, and torso. Investigators found a kitchen knife with a broken handle on the victim's bed and a second large knife in the kitchen sink.
Timeline
Carlos Penzo arrived at his residence on July 31, 2026.
Bretford Brewer was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on September 18, 2026.
Brewer is scheduled to return to court on December 11, 2026.
Legal Context
The indictment follows the standard judicial procedures set forth under New York State Penal Law Article 125. Cases involving violent felonies in New York City are frequently processed through grand jury indictments to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial.
The incident occurred in a 50-story residential building, prompting attention toward security protocols in high-density housing developments. Residents in Long Island City may see continued police activity as the investigation proceeds toward the upcoming court date.
The takeaway
This case highlights the role of private building staff in intervening during emergencies until authorities arrive. It also underscores the severity of violent crime charges within the New York City judicial system.
What happens next
Bretford Brewer is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on December 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
