Illegal Alien Sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Murder

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Kensil Dexter Fender, also known as “English,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Rowan Clarke.  Fender previously pleaded guilty on December 14, 2017. 

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) and George P. Beach II, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP) announced the sentence.

“More than a decade ago, Fender murdered a man while trying to commit a home invasion drug robbery.  With today’s sentence, he learns that justice does not forget and does not rest,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “I commend our federal, state and local partners for working together to take this dangerous criminal off the street.”  Mr. Donoghue expressed his thanks to the United States Postal Inspection Service for their assistance during the investigation.

“This drug investigation demonstrates the inevitable link between drug trafficking and violent crime,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt.  “In most of our cases, greed is the underlying force behind drug trafficking, and it is ironic that a piece of jewelry and DNA were key factors in bringing Rowan Clarke’s killer to justice.”

 “Today’s sentencing has been a long time in coming and is an appropriate, meaningful penalty for this career criminal,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill.  “In partnership with the DEA and the Eastern District, the NYPD has a long memory and an even longer reach.  I commend everyone involved in this case for seeing it through to its successful conclusion.”

“Good police work and invaluable partnerships at the federal, state and local level were key in bringing this murderer to justice,” stated NYSP Superintendent Beach. “State Police and our partners will continue to work together to keep our communities safe from such criminals and the dangerous drug activity and violence that they perpetuate.”

According to court filings and statements made in court, on April 2, 2007, Fender and a co-conspirator attempted to rob Clarke, who they believed had illegal drugs and drug proceeds at his apartment in northern Manhattan.  As Fender and his co-conspirator attempted to push their way into the apartment, they struggled with Clarke and fatally shot him.  Law enforcement agents were able to identify Fender based on DNA on a piece of jewelry left behind at the murder scene.  In addition to his role in the murder, Fender was a drug distributor, buying and selling large amounts of marijuana.

Upon completion of his sentence, Fender, an illegal alien from Jamaica, faces deportation from the United States.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Craig R. Heeren and Nathan D. Reilly are in charge of the prosecution.

Defendant:

KENSIL DEXTER FENDER
Age:  36
Woodmere, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-124-(ENV)