By Courtney Dentch
A Brooklyn man was sentenced Monday to 25 years to life for killing a Jamaica woman who was smothered and then burned inside her apartment, the Queens district attorney said.
Kevin Brooks, 31, was convicted last month for killing Tracie Harrison, of 107-35 164th St. in October 1999 by smothering her with a pillow, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
According to evidence presented at the trial, Brooks, along with five others, broke into Harrison’s apartment through a window after she turned off the lights. Brooks knocked Harrison down, while another tied her legs and arms. Another defendant, who was convicted of the crime, placed the pillow over her face and smothered her, the DA said.
Before leaving the house the Brooks and the others stole electronic equipment and carpenter’s tools. The group later returned and set the house on fire while Harrison was still inside, the DA said.
