In the early hours of a December morning in 2021, a violent intrusion shattered the peace of a Brooklyn home, leaving a young man dead and a family traumatized. Justin Moncada, a 30-year-old male, was fatally shot inside his girlfriend's Bensonhurst apartment. The tragedy unfolded around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, when his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend, Adam Thomas, broke into the residence on 83rd Street.
Thomas, 31 at the time, allegedly forced his way into the apartment through a front window, seeking a confrontation. Upon his entry, Moncada went to investigate the disturbance. A struggle ensued between the two men at a bedroom door. Moncada managed to close the door, but Thomas then fired multiple shots through it, striking Moncada in the head and killing him. In the immediate aftermath, Thomas also reportedly threatened Moncada's girlfriend, Kilse Ogandl, and their young daughter who was present in the home at the time. He allegedly pointed the gun at Ogandl and exclaimed, 'You chose him, this is what you made me do,' before attempting to fire again, only to find the weapon empty.
Police were called to the scene and arrested Thomas at the apartment. He was subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. The investigation revealed the motive to be a love triangle, with Thomas targeting his ex-girlfriend's new partner.
In February 2024, Adam Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the killing of Justin Moncada. As a result of his plea, he was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison, bringing a measure of judicial closure to the tragic and violent death of a young father.
