A social worker was fatally stabbed outside a Brooklyn homeless shelter on Thursday evening, according to police sources. The tragic incident occurred just after 6 p.m. outside the lobby of a shelter located on East New York Avenue in Brownsville. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Robbie Miller, was found with stab wounds to his neck and abdomen. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
The Department of Homeless Services expressed their deep sorrow, calling it a “horrific tragedy” and a “tremendous loss.” They extended their heartfelt condolences to Miller’s family, friends, and colleagues, offering support during this difficult time.
In their statement, they also acknowledged the important role that frontline staff play in assisting vulnerable New Yorkers every day and praised Miller for his service. The department further clarified that, although the incident happened outside the shelter, they were working closely with the authorities to help with the investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Police sources suggest that the attack seemed to be random, and the male assailant is described as being around six feet tall and dressed in all black. Surveillance cameras at a nearby bodega caught a man matching the description running by the area at the time of the attack, though the actual incident was not captured. The bodega’s owners told CBS News New York that police were focused on the individual seen in the footage.
The NYPD is asking anyone with information to call their Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted through their website or via Twitter DMs to @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
Neighbors of the shelter shared their shock and sadness over the incident, remembering Miller as a kind and friendly person. One neighbor said he was “always pleasant” and would often talk sports with him. Another neighbor, Saj Ahmed, spoke fondly of the victim, calling him a “really excellent, wonderful guy.” Ahmed mentioned that Miller was frequently assigned to help maintain peace outside the shelter, as it sometimes saw altercations.
Ahmed also recalled his own experiences with the area’s challenges, including being threatened by individuals in the past. He noted that the former Days Inn, which was converted into a shelter about a year ago, has a metal detector at its entrance, but he feels the workers are not fully protected.
He expressed concern that the workers in the lobby, including Miller, were vulnerable and that there was inadequate security to keep them safe. Ahmed shared his belief that the neighborhood had become less safe over the past year.
Terrance Clark, another neighbor, echoed Ahmed’s concerns, pointing out that he frequently notices problems outside the shelter. He referred to the shelter and others in the area as “hot spots” for trouble. NYPD data shows that while robberies and assaults have decreased in the 73rd precinct this year, murders have risen significantly, with 18 murders in 2024 compared to seven in 2023. Miller’s death is not included in this count but highlights the growing concerns in the area.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
