88-Year-Old Brooklyn Man Convicted of Murder While on Parole Receives Life Sentence An 88-year-old Brooklyn man, Harvey Marcelin, who was previously paroled for two other murders, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Wednesday after being convicted of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and concealing a human corpse. The conviction followed a trial where prosecutors argued that Marcelin’s violent tendencies had never been addressed, despite multiple parole opportunities. The murder occurred in February 2022 when 68-year-old Susan Leyden entered Marcelin’s East New York apartment and was found dead days later. Law enforcement recovered her head and some limbs from the apartment, while one leg was discovered in a garbage can. Marcelin, who lived in the same Bronx shelter as Leyden in 2019 before moving to Brooklyn, was accused of dismembering her and hiding the evidence. The relationship between Marcelin and Leyden was not disclosed, but prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the crime. During the sentencing, Justice Danny Chun highlighted Marcelin’s pattern of violence, stating, “Every time you were released, you killed someone else, which leads this court to believe that regardless of your age, if you were ever paroled again, I have no doubt that you would kill again.” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez praised the sentence, calling it necessary to ensure Marcelin could never harm others again. Marcelin’s defense attorney did not comment after the sentencing, but Marcelin himself addressed the court, claiming another woman who was high on drugs killed Leyden. He expressed regret for his actions, saying, “I am sorry for my failure to do more to protect Susan.#brooklyn #harvey_marcelin #susan_leyden #east_new_york #brandon_chun
