Defendants:

Tasjawn “Tay” White DOB: 01/13/1999

Pierre Mensah DOB: 10/13/1986

Phillip Spearman DOB: 11/02/1965

June 20, 2018 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. today announced a 27-count indictment against three men in connection with the fatal shooting of a Mount Vernon man, Donovan Brown, on Macquesten Parkway in Mount Vernon March 14, 2018. Tasjawn “Tay” White and Phillip Spearman were arraigned today in Westchester County Court. Pierre Mensah was arraigned Tuesday.

The charges against the three are as follows:

Tasjawn “Tay” White, alone, is charged with Murder in the First Degree, a class A-1 violent felony.

In addition, White and co-defendant Pierre Mensah, are charged with:

  • Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, class A-2 felonies
  • Four counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, class B felonies
  • One count of Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony
  • One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony
  • Two counts of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, class C felonies
  • Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, class C felonies
  • Two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, class B felonies
  • Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, class E felonies
  • One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony

Co-defendant Phillip Spearman is charged with:

  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class D felony
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a class E felony
  • Two counts of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, class E felonies
  • Two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence, class E felonies
  • One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony

On the night of March 13, 2018, and the early hours of March 14, 2018, two of the defendants, Pierre Mensah and Tasjawn “Tay” White were involved in a series of incidents including an initial robbery and subsequent attempted robbery which resulted in Brown’s shooting and ultimate death. The events related to their indictment took place in the industrial and residential neighborhoods not far from the Mount Vernon West Metro North train station. Additionally, White’s uncle, Phillip Spearman, faces seven related charges for his involvement with the stolen proceeds from the robbery and handgun.

Determined detective work by Mount Vernon Police, with the help of video surveillance from security cameras throughout the area, allowed police and prosecutors to trace the steps taken by the men for several hours leading up to the shooting and immediately following it.

White and Mensah have been remanded into custody in Westchester County Jail, while Spearman’s bail was set at $100,000. All defendants are scheduled to appear in court July 10, 2018.

Mount Vernon Police Detectives led the investigation. Deputy District Attorney Perry Perrone, Chief of the Homicide Bureau, and Bureau Chief Assistant District Attorney Michelle Lopez of the Superior Court Trial Division are prosecuting the case.

police photograph of Tasjawn White

police photograph of Pierre Mensah

police photograph of Phillip Spearman

Tasjawn White Pierre Mensah Phillip Spearman

In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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