LEIBY KLETZKY'S MURDERER PLEADS GUILTY

Leiby Kletzky's murderer entered a guilty plea yesterday in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn to charges of second-degree murder and kidnapping. The murderer of eight-year-old Leiby had originally pleaded not guilty.

The guilty plea guarantees that the murderer will be imprisoned for forty years to life: twenty-five years to life for murder in the second degree and fifteen years to life for kidnapping in the second degree. The sentences would be served consecutively. He will be formally sentenced on August 29th. 

The plea bargain was made at the request of Leiby's parents, who did not want to have to endure a court trial. A statement by Leiby's parents is published in full in Vos Iz Neias? and The Yeshiva World. It begins

Everything in the world is from G-d. Everything that happens is His will. We all have challenges, but G-d gives us the strength to overcome these challenges. My wife Esther, our children and I all understand that our role in this life is to do good and to continue on with even greater strength. We have made it until now only with G-d’s help — for that I thank G-d with all my heart.

A two-minute video of the judge questioning the murderer is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zo47NTWbZps#!.

Where to send condolence messages:

Reb Nachman and Esther Kletzky 

5701 15th Avenue, Apt. 6J

Brooklyn, NY 11219 

messageLeiby [at] gmail.com

THESE ARE THE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

Assemblymember Dov Hikind shows one of the 150 high-tech security cameras that will be purchased for the Leiby Kletzky Security Initiative. The four-lens cameras will be purchased with a grant from the New York State Senate and placed in Borough Park, Midwood, and "all the way to Manhattan Beach."

The goal of the pilot program is to protect children and adults and, in the case of Jewish neighborhoods, protect communities that are subject to anti-Semitic activities.

On the map shown in the videos, the red dots represent the planned locations of the cameras, including outside such sites as major schools and synagogues as well as at thoroughfares.

Nachman Kletzky, father of murdered eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky, was present in his first public appearance ever, although he did not speak.

MORE ABOUT THE LEIBY KLETZKY SECURITY INITIATIVE

The high-tech surveillance cameras that will be put in Borough Park and Midwood through the Leiby Kletzky Security Initiative will be located outside of businesses, synagogues, and schools in predominantly Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. The program could be in place within two months or sometime in the fall.

This pilot program is funded by a a $1 million New York state grant sponsored by State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. The grant will be given to Agudath Israel to purchase the cameras and administer the program. Law enforcement officials will be able to view footage. It's likely that Shomrim also will.

LEIBY KLETZKY SECURITY INITIATIVE: HIGH-TECH SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

In the name of Leiby Kletzky, the eight-year-old boy who was kidnapped and murdered last July, 150 high-tech security cameras will be installed in Borough Park and Midwood for the prevention of crime and, when needed, for solving crimes.

The area to be covered, writes Assemblymember Dov Hikind, will be bounded by "60th Street to McDonald Avenue, 9th Avenue to 20th Avenue in Borough Park, McDonald Avenue to Ocean Avenue, and Foster Avenue to Avenue U in Midwood." 

He adds that "Surveillance cameras will be mounted at major intersections. Camera output will be accessed by private volunteer organizations and can be reviewed by authorized police officials."

KILLER (ALLEGED) OF LEIBY KLETZKY DIAGNOSED

 

The man charged with the July kidnapping of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky from Borough Park and Leiby's subsequent murder and dismemberment in the man's Kensington home was evaluated by psychiatrists last week by court order and diagnosed as having "adjustment disorder and a personality disorder with schizoid features." At that time, he was deemed mentally competent to stand trial.

He was transferred from Bellevue Hospital to Rikers Island on Monday. His next court date is October 14th.

LEIBY KLETZKY'S ALLEGED KILLER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Psychiatric evaluation has determined that Leiby Kletzky's alleged killer is mentally competent to stand trial, the Brooklyn district attorney’s office announced today. The alleged killer pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Being found mentally competent to stand trial means that he

"understands the nature and charges against him, that is he able to understand he's being criminally prosecuted, he knows what those charges are, and is able to participate in his own defense. It is not a rendering on sanity or insanity, it is only on competency," said Defense Attorney Jennifer McCann.

Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes said "there are absolutely no circumstances which would lead me to accept a plea bargain." [International Business Times]

The next court appearance will be on October 14th.

Also today, Congressperson Jerrold presented Borough Park Shomrim with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for its role in organizing the search to find Leiby before it was discovered that he had been killed.

MEDIA COVERAGE OF KENSINGTON VIGIL FOR LEIBY KLETZKY

Selected Articles, Photos, and Videos of

Kensington's Vigil for Leiby Kletzky

More Than 300 Attend Candlelight Vigil For Leiby Kletzky's Death (video) (Vos Iz Neias?)

Brooklyn vigil held Sunday for Leiby Kletzky (video) (WABC)

Leiby Kletzy Candlelight Vigil 7/24/11 (photos) (lornagrl blog)

The light bearers of Brooklyn (You Are Not a Winner blog)

THE VIGIL FOR LEIBY KLETZKY: BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

Tonight's vigil in Kensington

for Leiby Kletzky

Two weeks ago tomorrow, eight-year-old Borough Park resident Leiby Kletzky got lost while walking seven blocks to meet his parents. He asked a man in the street for directions. That man has confessed to kidnapping Leiby, murdering him, and--pardon us for writing these words--cutting him into pieces. Some of the pieces were found in the man's Kensington home. The man has confessed to the crimes, although he has pleaded "not guilty." 

Like people everywhere who heard about the crime, the residents of Kensington were horrified by its gruesome and unfeeling nature. The act was incomprehensible. And it was awful to know that the crime took place right in their neighborhood.

A few people organized a candlelight vigil in the P.S. 230 playground, and neighbors gathered together tonight vigil to honor the life of Leiby Kletzky. Afterward, people were invited to write their thoughts and feelings on a scroll that will be given to Leiby's parents.

FREE CANDLES AT FOODTOWN FOR TONIGHT'S VIGIL

Foodtown is giving away candles all day today for people who are going to tonight's candlelight vigil in honor of little Leiby Kletzky, who was so gruesomely murdered. The store has set up an area by the exit so people can help themselves to a candle. Foodtown is on McDonald Avenue, at the corner of Albemarle Road.

BANGLADESHI NEIGHBORS, HONORING THE LIFE OF LEIBY KLETZKY

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN KENSINGTON FOR LEIBY KLETZKY

Correction: 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Join with others at a candlelight vigil to honor

the life of young Leiby Kletztky.

Sunday July 24th, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

P.S. 230 playground on McDonald Avenue at Albemarle Road.

Bring a candle and another one to share.

LEIBY'S FAMILY CREATES A MEMORIAL FUND

The family of little Leiby Kletzky has established The Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund to carry out the acts of charity and kindness that Leiby would have, had his life not been extinguished.

The Memorial Fund's slogan is "Coping with Grief by Doing Good." Contributions will be used to

• Help young orphans cope with tragedy
• Help indigent families feed their children
• Help needy children falling behind in school
• Help poor parents clothe their children in dignity
• Help financially strapped couples to marry
• Help families going through a critical time in their lives

From The Yeshiva World:

Upon rising from Shiva this morning, Reb Nachman Kletzky very poignantly declared. “Had my dear son Leiby lived he would have contributed so much good to the world. He was such a sensitive and kind soul. Now that his beautiful life was cut so short we should not allow the world to miss out. Our family wishes to establish the LEIBY KLETZKY MEMORIAL FUND to perpetuate the memory of our dear Leiby and to keep him alive in our hearts and minds. This fund would help anguished families in crisis and need, something that Leiby would have wanted to do had he been given more years of life. By making this fund a successful one we can turn the anguished cries of “Leiby, Where are you?” into the sacred reply of “I am here, helping my fellow Jews”.

The Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund is the only effort specifically established and authorized by the Kletzky family. It will be administered by the Kletzky family and their rabbi, Rabbi Binyomin Eisenberger.

Donations in any amount are welcome. Contributions should be sent to
Nachman and Esty Kletzky
c/o Rabbi Binyomin Eisenberger
1448 56th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Contributions can also be made online on the website of The Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund.

HOW LEIBY DIED

Autopsy results for Leiby Kletzky

The New York Times City Room:

Leiby’s official cause of death, released Wednesday [July 20th] and based on autopsy and toxicology testing, was “intoxication by the combined effects of cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant) , quetiapine (antipsychotic), hydrocodone (pain medication), and acetaminophen (Tylenol), followed by smothering.”

Hydrocodone is better known as the widely abused prescription opiate Vicodin; cyclobenzaprine is known under the brand name Flexeril; and quetiapine is sold under the brand name Seroquel.

Newser:

Autopsy results also indicate that Leiby was killed on [Wednesday] July 13, two days after he was kidnapped and mere hours before cops arrived at Aron's apartment to discover the grisly scene.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL ON SUNDAY FOR LEIBY KLETZKY AT P.S. 230

CHANGE IN DATE: Join your neighbors for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Leibby Kletztky this SUNDAY, July 24th, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the P.S. 230 playground on McDonald Avenue at Albemarle Road. Bring a candle and another candle to share.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR LEIBY KLETZKY AT P.S. 230

UPDATE: Due to the Sabbath, the candlelight vigil will be held on SUNDAY at 8:30 p.m.

Join your neighbors for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Leibby Kletztky this Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. at the P.S. 230 playground on McDonald Avenue at Albermarle Road. Bring a candle and another to share.

PROSPECT PARK TREE FUND IN MEMORY OF LEIBY KLETZKY

A neighbor suggested that one or more trees be planted in Prospect Park to memorialize the life of Leiby Kletzky. This plan has been approved by the Prospect Park Alliance. Below is the information on how you can participate in this effort.

from Jody Alperin

I have spoke with Phyllis Sears at Prospect Park and she has set it up so that people can contribute directly to the tree fund for Leiby Kletzky. I will post the information below but there are three ways to give--online, check in the mail or credit card over the phone. Just be sure to make note that you are donating to the "Tree Fund for Leiby Kletzky" either in the memo line of your check, to the person on the phone or in the comments section of the online giving page. I will keep in touch with Phyllis to see how much we raise so we know what we are able to plant. The park will give us a certificate we can give to the family and we can also hold a planting ceremony. We can certainly reach out to the family when the time comes for a ceremony and invite them to attend.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and please pass on this information to anyone else who might like to contribute but might not be on the list serve. 

Thanks so much,
Jody Alperin

===========================

from Phyllis Sears

We can accept check, credit card or on-line donations from your donors. Your choices are as follows:

1. Make a check payable to Prospect Park Alliance and mail to

Phyllis Sears
Prospect Park Alliance
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Please indicate the gift is for the Leiby Kletzky Tree Fund in either the memo section of the check or an enclosed note.

2. Call a credit card donation into Phyllis Sears at 718.965.8977.

3. Go to our website at www.prospectpark.org/donate. Please indicate your gift is for the Leiby Kletzky Tree Fund in the comments section of the payment form.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

If you or any of your donors have any questions or if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.

Sincerely,

Phyllis

Phyllis A Sears
Individual Giving Manager
Prospect Park Alliance
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718.965.8977

WHERE TO MAIL CONDOLENCE CARDS FOR THE KLETZKY FAMILY

Condolence cards can be mailed to the family of little Leiby Kletzky at their home:

Reb Nachman and Esti Kletzky

5701 15th Avenue, Apt. 6J

Brooklyn, NY 11219

E-mail messages of condolence can be sent to 

messageLeiby [at] gmail.com

Matzav.com reports that Leiby's family is sitting shiva (observing the period of mourning) at the above address, which is between 57th and 58th streets.

They are sitting shiva through Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., except during the Sabbath, which begins at approximately 8 p.m. tonight (Friday) and ends at approximately 9:30 p.m. tomorrow night (Saturday).

Visitors should dress modestly, should sit down, and should stay briefly. You might want to read How to Pay a Shiva Call.

Please be aware that Leiby's family has only been told that their son is no longer alive. They have not been told any details at all about the manner of his death. That would be too much for them to bear at this time.

SENDING YOUR CONDOLENCES TO THE KLETZKY FAMILY

If you would like to express your condolences to the bereaved family of Leiby Kletzky, you can write them on the Jewish Mom website and/or the Aish website. You don't have to be Jewish or be a mom to write on these websites.

FUNERAL TONIGHT FOR LEIBY KLETZKY

From Lakewood Local:

"Levaya [funeral] Info For Leibby Kletzky hy”d Updated"

The levaya for Leibby Kletzky will be taking place tonight at 7:00 PM [corrected below]. The levaya will take place in front of Rabbi Eisenberger’s shul on 56th St between 16th and 17th Avenues.

Leibby’s father Nachman Kletzky is a mispallel at Rabbi Eisenberger’s shul.

Updated: Reports say the levaya is scheduled for 8:30 PM.

Details of the kidnapping and murder of this nine-year-old boy from Borough Park, whose body was found this morning by the police, are available in most of the media, so there's no need to repeat them here and get sick to our stomachs all over again. Suffice it to say, we send our deepest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Kletzky, and we wish that no child would ever be harmed again.

THIS CHILD IS MISSING

Nine-year-old Leiby Kelezsky has been missing since yesterday. He was last seen on 12th Avenue and 44th Street--not far from Kensington--wearing a grey and light blue striped shirt, navy pants, black sneakers, and a knapsack with the words "Nechmod Day Camp" on it. He has light brown hair and wears glasses with black frames.

Please call Boro Park Shomrim at (718) 871-6666 or the NYPD at 911 with any tips.