Community Leaders React To Arrest In Triple Homicide

Community leaders have rallied around the families of the residents of the Ingersoll Houses following the arrest of the suspect in last fall’s triple murder.

Last week, Allen Cooper, 32, was arrested and charged three counts of murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the deaths of Calvin Clinksales, 43, Lacount Simmons, 39, and bystander Herbert Brown, 76, at the Ingersoll Houses on September 20, 2015.

“Progressing forward in the long pursuit of justice for this horrific crime is important for the residents of Fort Greene, especially those that have fought for years to make the neighborhood a safer place to raise healthy children and families,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Community leaders have been outspoken in their support for the residents of Ingersoll since last September, and they’ve sustained that encouragement.

Public Advocate Letitia James said that “while we can’t reunite these families with their loved ones, we can all sleep a little easier tonight knowing that Mr. Cooper will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Council Member Laurie Cumbo released a statement saying that “every arrest sends a clear message that we will not allow the perpetrators of violence to derail our progress or disrupt the quality of our daily lives.”