On a late summer evening in the Bronx, what began as a dispute ended in the tragic loss of two young lives. Kevin Dillard, a 21-year-old male, was fatally shot on August 11, 2019. The incident also claimed the life of 17-year-old Arnelle Branch.
That night, at approximately 11:40 p.m., police responded to 911 calls reporting gunfire near the Parkside Houses on White Plains Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Dillard with a gunshot wound to his neck and Branch with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. Both young men were rushed to Jacobi Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The investigation into the double homicide led police to identify Harry Behlin as the suspect. An argument between Behlin and the two victims reportedly preceded the fatal shooting. Behlin, who had a criminal history that included a conviction for attempted murder, fled after the incident. The situation was particularly painful for Dillard's family, as Behlin was described as a close family friend.
After a nearly eight-month manhunt, Behlin was apprehended in Columbus, Ohio, in April 2020 and extradited to New York to face charges. He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and weapons possession. At his arraignment, Behlin pleaded not guilty. In October 2023, a jury found Harry Behlin guilty of murder and other charges. He was subsequently sentenced to 48 years to life in prison for the deaths of Kevin Dillard and Arnelle Branch.
