Jason Soto Stood Trial for 2015 Murder
The alleged Cypress Gangsta Crips member faces trial for the 2015 killing of gang leader Shakim Rivera in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Violence
Jason Soto has gone to trial at Brooklyn Federal Court for the 2015 murder of Shakim Rivera. Prosecutors allege Soto carried out the killing on Bayview Place to avenge the death of fellow gang member Demetrius Graham.
Why it matters
The trial centers on allegations that Soto killed Rivera to end a violent civil war within the Cypress Gangsta Crips. The case highlights long-standing efforts by federal authorities to dismantle gang-related violence in New York City.
Jason Soto was indicted for the murder in December 2024 following his release from federal prison in December 2023. Judge Leo Glasser previously established clear and convincing proof regarding the defendant's role in the 2015 killing.
The players
Jason Soto
He is a 37-year-old member of the Cypress Gangsta Crips who is currently standing trial for murder.
Shakim Rivera
He served as the leader of the Cypress Gangsta Crips until his murder in 2015.
Demetrius Graham
He was a 23-year-old member of the Cypress Gangsta Crips whose 2015 death allegedly sparked the internal conflict.
Leo Glasser
He is the judge presiding over the legal proceedings who previously found proof of Soto's involvement.
The details
Soto allegedly lured Rivera to a location outside a home on Bayview Place in Canarsie before shooting him. During the proceedings, prosecutors introduced a recorded phone call transcript in which Soto purportedly vowed to commit the murder.
Timeline
Feb. 19, 2015: Demetrius Graham was murdered.
Feb. 22, 2015: Shakim Rivera was murdered.
January 2018: An evidentiary hearing was held for federal gun charges.
December 2023: Soto completed his federal prison sentence.
December 2024: Soto was indicted for Rivera's murder.
Legal Context
The trial follows a string of federal investigations into gang violence in New York City that relies on evidence gathered during the 2018 federal gun charge evidentiary hearing. These prosecutions reflect a broader federal strategy of using past criminal records to build long-term cases against gang members.
Residents of Canarsie and East New York may see increased local attention on gang-related activity as the trial highlights past violence in these neighborhoods. The proceedings provide public transparency regarding the resolution of crimes that occurred in residential areas nearly a decade ago.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the long arc of federal investigations that allow prosecutors to pursue murder charges years after an initial crime. It serves as a reminder of how internal gang conflicts can lead to lasting legal consequences for those involved long after the original incidents.
Further reading
For more on ongoing legal proceedings in the area, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily News.
