Arrest in Brooklyn Elevator Granny Beating

The police have arrested a suspect in the brutal attack and robbery of an 85-year-old woman in a Crown Heights elevator last week. According to the Daily News, Cornelius Abson "confessed and then apologized for choking and robbing Lillian France." But a police source adds, "He's sorry he got caught. He wasn't sorry when he was choking the lady."

It's suspected that Abson followed France from her bank on Eastern Parkway to the apartment building--she had $900 on her. He may also have attacked many other elderly Brooklyn residents, robbing them of money and other items, like a Medicaid card and a bible. Yesterday, City Council member Letitia James and Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes each added $1,000 to the reward money, which now totals $14,000. Hynes said, "If you've seen the video, then you know that this attack was gratuitous. He even grabbed her cane - it was sociopathic conduct."

France is still in the hospital. Per the Post, she suffered "internal bruising of her throat, as well as lacerations and bruises on her face."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on August 21, 2008 9:30 AM

Comments [rss]

tsol

Where's Al Sharpton?

heycarrieann

What a tough guy...beating,choking and robbing elderly woman. He'll have allot to brag about while hanging out with the other hard core criminals in jail. I'm sure they will all be impressed.

Spirit of 76

Lock him up until he's 85.

NannyState

It's time for AARP to start doling out free boxcutters.

ed_Extinct

execute him!

dooWOP

Why is everyone so quick to pass judgment? Maybe the guy overheard her muttering under her breath "you dirty filthy __..."!

Steven

Cornelius is a coward. Go pick on someone your own size.

Splicer

Cornelius. I'm not touching that one.

AndrewODonnell

Great to see justice (soon to be) served every once in a while.

robingee

Yes thank god for the criminals he will be in jail with, as those rapists and murderers hate crimes against the elderly, children and animals. I mean, they may have shot someone to death in a robbery but they will not stand for this!

virgil

A cane, a bible and a medicaid card? Why, he's trying to steal old age itself.

Tar_Baby

He said he's sorry. I think he should be given a second chance.

Tgirl

they should give Lillian France the reward $$ when she hopefully recovers from her injuries

99centmenu

But a police source adds, "He's sorry he got caught. He wasn't sorry when he was choking the lady."

someone's been reading nietzsche

aveB4life

bibles are expensive these days i'm sure. needed to snatch that.

sblendid

Hopefully Cornelius Abson's crimes are made known to all the other inmates and this creep gets what he really deserves in prison. From my understanding convicts do not take crimes against the elderly lightly. Thank goodness this monster is off the streets.