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Brownsville man gets 30 years to life in plea deal for killing 3 women at senior housing building

As part of the plea deal, Gavin, now 71, will be sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He is expected to be formally sentenced on May 20.

Shakti Denis

Apr 24, 2026, 8:36 PM

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A man accused of killing three women inside a NYCHA building in Brownsville has been sentenced for the crimes.

Kevin Gavin pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder. He admitted to killing 82-year-old Myrtle McKenny, 83-year-old Jacolia James and 78-year-old Juanita Caballero in 2015, 2019 and 2021, respectively.

As part of the plea deal, Gavin, now 71, will be sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He is expected to be formally sentenced on May 20.

Prosecutors said all three victims lived in the Carter G. Woodson Houses, a senior NYCHA building in Brownsville. Gavin also lived in the building, despite it being designated for seniors.

Authorities said he gained access to the victims by building trust, often doing handyman work for them.

After his arrest in 2021, Gavin confessed on tape, telling investigators he had argued with each of the women over money he claimed they owed him. Those disputes turned violent, he admitted.

The families of James and Caballero broke down in tears as Gavin admitted to the killings.

The case has stretched on for years. While the plea deal avoids a trial, it still allows Gavin the right to appeal.

For the families, Friday’s plea marked a significant step, though not a complete end, to a long and painful chapter.

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