Statement from Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes

Following the vicious and callous murder and dismemberment of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky, I have assigned two Senior Trial Assistants from the Homicide and Crimes Against Children Bureaus. I have directed the Assistants to promptly present the case to a Kings County Grand Jury and will ask the Jury to consider  the maximum charges permitted by law.

As the Grandfather of 16 Grandchildren, my heart goes out to the parents of Leiby and I promise that I will ensure that we bring justice to his memory.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg:

“As a father, I cannot begin to imagine the horrible heartbreak that Leiby Kletzky’s family is going through, and in speaking with their Rabbi today, I conveyed my deepest condolences. This killing was a stunning shock to our entire city, and I ask all New Yorkers, including the thousands of individuals who volunteered to search for little Leiby, to keep the Kletzky family in their thoughts and prayers. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

 NYC Comptroller John C. Liu:

“Our hearts are with the family of little Leiby Kletzky in a time of indescribable tragedy.  As the father of young son almost the same age as Leiby, I cannot begin to imagine what they and their community are suffering.  We pray that justice will be dispensed without delay for this crime which horrifies and offends us all.  The NYPD, Shomrim Patrol and Hatzolah are owed our gratitude for their quick response.”

NYS Senator Eric Adams:

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences are extended to the family of Leiby Kletzky. As a parent, I understand how devastating this horrific and senseless loss of an innocent life has adversely impacted the family. I commend NYPD, Shomrim, and all of the others who were responsible for the capture of the perpetrator responsible for this barbaric and brutal murder.

Now the justice system must do its job and prosecute the predator to the fullest

Councilmember Brad Lander:

No words can express the shock and horror that we all feel about the sickening murder of Leiby Kletzky. As a father, I am heartbroken, and cannot imagine the pain and sorrow the Kletzky family is now enduring. I join with the Borough Park and Kensington community, with the Orthodox Jewish community, with all New Yorkers, and all humanity, in wishing the Kletzky family strength and comfort at this almost impossibly difficult time.

NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio:

“Words cannot express the sadness and the anger so many of us feel following the murder of eight year-old Leiby Kletzy. As a parent of two children, my heart goes out to his family and his community as they cope with this unspeakable tragedy. I commend the efforts of the NYPD, Shomrim Patrol and Hatzolah, who worked so tirelessly to find Leiby these past two days, and I hope for a swift application of justice for this heinous crime.”

Council Member Levin:

Saddened and Outraged Over the Death of Leiby Kletzky “My deepest condolences go out to the family of Leiby Kletzky. I share in the sorrow and pain of Borough Park, the Jewish community, and all New Yorkers who have been touched by this unimaginable tragedy.

While the loss of such a young, innocent life is always incomprehensible, I am thankful for the tireless work of the New York Police Department, the Williamsburg and Borough Park Shomrim Patrols, Chaveirim, Chesed, Assemblyman Hikind, Councilmember Greenfield, Congressman Nadler, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies that have worked together to find Leiby and now, sadly, to bring the perpetrator to justice. To the hundreds of volunteers from Williamsburg who joined your counterparts in Borough Park to relentlessly search for young Leiby, I thank you for your valiant efforts and your dedication to the community.

Senseless tragedies such as this remind us to cherish each day we are given and bring us together as a greater community.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kletzky family, I mourn with them in their deepest sadness, and I hope, along with all New Yorkers, that they will find comfort and solace in this difficult time and in the days and years to come.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)