BREAKING: Gelman Sentenced To 200 Years!

The following is a press release from Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes:

Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of Maksim Gelman, 23, to 200 years in prison for Four Counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Two Counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Two Counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Two Counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, and Three Counts of Assault in the Second Degree.  The sentencing Judge, Vincent DelGiudice imposed 25-to-life sentences for each Murder count, 25 years for each Attempted Murder count, and the maximum sentences for the additional counts to run consecutively.  A $5000 court fee fine was also imposed.

“While there will never be justice for the victims and their families, the judge sent a strong message by imposing consecutive sentences and ensuring that he will never see the light of day,” said District Attorney Hynes.

On February 11, 2011, Gelman stabbed and killed his stepfather, Alexander Kuznetsov, during an argument over the use of Gelman’s mother’s car in Sheepshead Bay. He also killed Yalena Bulchenko and her mother, Anna Bulchenko. After killing the Bulchenkos, Gelman stole a car at knifepoint and stabbed its owner. While fleeing the scene of the carjacking, he struck and killed Steven Tannenbaum, a pedestrian crossing the street.

In the early morning hours of February 12, Gelman attacked a livery cab driver and then attacked another driver at knifepoint, injuring both drivers and stealing the second driver’s car. Gelman was arrested later on February 12 in Manhattan, for attacking a man on the subway.

He pleaded guilty to all counts of the indictment on November 30, 2011. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ken Taub, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

On January 17, 2012 Gelman pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree for his crime in Manhattan.  He is expected to receive an additional 25 years in prison to run consecutively with today’s sentence.