'Serial Killer' Strangled, Stabbed And Bludgeoned Elderly Women Who Hired Him To Run Errands

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has arrested a 66-year-old man in connection with a series of homicides of three elderly women in a Brooklyn housing project.

In a statement, the NYPD said Thursday that Kevin Gavin had murdered three women, who often employed him to run errands, at the Carter G Woodson Houses between 2015 and 2021, said a report by The New York Post.

"Kevin Gavin committed unspeakable acts of violence against women who trusted him enough to let him inside their homes. Gavin allegedly strangled, stabbed and bludgeoned his victims," said Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez. Police said Gavin, a handyman, has confessed to the murder, telling cops that the victims owed him money. But, officials are not convinced with a source saying "any money involved in the crime was small potatoes."

Gavin's recent victim was 78-year-old Juanita Caballero, who was found dead with a telephone cord wrapped around her neck. The murder came to light when her son came to visit her on Jan. 12. Sources said Gavin had used Cabellero’s electronic benefits card after the killing.

He is also now suspected in the 2019 death of 83-year-old Jacolia James, who was found dead in her 11th-floor apartment with trauma to her head and torso.

The third murder happened in 2015 when Myrtle McKinney, 82, was found dead on her kitchen floor. Though both were ruled homicides, the cases had remained unsolved until now.

According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison, Gavin knew all three victims and would often help them with repair works of their homes. He resided on the sixth floor of the building, as did two of his victims.

The residents of the apartment complex are still reeling under shock. Esther Williams, vice president of the building’s tenant association, said Gavin was always demanding money from people.

"To a lot of people in the building, he was intimidating. There was no way to get rid of him," she said.

Meanwhile, the police are also investigating whether Gavin was involved in the death of two other people, including his brother and roommate Leon and another man called Hector Higgins, who died after falling from a ladder two years ago.

Gavin had eight prior arrests for burglary and criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance. The most recent was a 2010 possession of a controlled substance, said a cop.