A serene Sunday evening turned violent near the Coney Island boardwalk, culminating in the alleged rape and attack of a local couple by two migrants.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the incident involved the brutal assault of a 46-year-old woman and her boyfriend by Nicaraguan migrant David Davon-Bonilla and Mexican migrant Leovando Moreno.
The assault reportedly took place on Surf Avenue and 16th Street, outside a hotel currently used for housing asylum seekers. It was approximately 9 PM when the attack near the famous Brooklyn Cyclones Ballpark and Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs transpired.
Both accused, David Davon-Bonilla and Leovando Moreno, had histories of criminal behavior before this incident. Davon-Bonilla, who entered the United States illegally in December 2022, was also incarcerated last year for sexual assault at a different hotel serving as a migrant shelter. He was released in June 2023 following a plea agreement.
Moreno, on the other hand, has faced charges before, including assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The nature of their previous crimes adds a layer of concern to the recent acts of violence.
Law enforcement sources revealed that after entering the country, Davon-Bonilla was implicated in a case of rape and sodomy only four months later, setting a worrying precedent for his conduct outside of custody.
Currently, David Davon-Bonilla is facing several grave charges, including first-degree rape, second-degree assault, and first-degree sexual abuse. Meanwhile, Moreno has been accused of menacing and criminal possession of a weapon during the incident.
The female victim, treated at Coney Island Hospital, was reported in stable condition post-attack, while her boyfriend, who also endured the brutish encounter, opted out of medical treatment.
According to insiders close to the investigation, the assault left community members shaken, occurring just outside a facility meant to provide safety to asylum seekers. Moreover, detectives noted that Davon-Bonilla coerced the woman during the assault by threatening her with a knife.
This violent episode raises concerns about the supervision and integration of asylum seekers with prior criminal charges, particularly when housed in urban areas like New York City. The legal scrutiny following Davon-Bonilla's previous release underlines potential gaps in the criminal justice and immigration systems.
Local authorities are currently reassessing the safety protocols in place at facilities housing migrants, striving to avoid repeat offenses and protect community members. The incident has spurred both local and federal authorities to revisit the conditions of release and monitor individuals with profiles similar to Davon-Bonilla and Moreno.
Insiders from the community voiced worries about transient populations living in areas like under the boardwalk, which could be particularly vulnerable. They indicated that ensuring community safety requires a collaborative effort among local leaders, law enforcement, and immigration services.
After this distressing event, the NYC community, especially those around Coney Island, is forced to reconsider the complex interplay between offering sanctuary and maintaining public safety—a balance crucial yet challenging to maintain. The aftermath of the attack will likely influence upcoming policy decisions and potentially reshape local and national discussions around immigration and asylum protocols.
