District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Monday that Tyrique Rushing, a 25-year-old man from the Bronx, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following a guilty plea to first-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal sexual act, and first-degree burglary.
Rushing, along with two co-defendants, Lance Jyrkenin and Shirnel Sobers, was involved in a shocking home invasion and assault of an elderly couple in Marine Park in 2018.
“This defendant violated the sanctity of this couple’s home and subjected them to unconscionable violence. With today’s lengthy sentence, he has now been brought to justice and the victims will be spared the anguish of a trial.”
The crime unfolded over two separate incidents. According to the investigation, on Sept. 24, 2018, Jyrkenin and Sobers broke into the home of a 72-year-old retired police lieutenant and his 71-year-old wife around 11:30 p.m. The pair stole cash and the couple’s Honda Civic, which was later found abandoned in lower Manhattan.
In a subsequent incident on Oct. 8, 2018, Rushing joined Jyrkenin and Sobers in returning to the same residence. The trio tied up the couple, who were in separate bedrooms, using duct tape. Rushing then committed a sexual assault against the woman, while her husband was brutally attacked, receiving lacerations to his head and face.
The assailants stole additional cash, a set of speakers, a Bank of America card, and again took the couple’s Honda Civic.
The male victim was treated for injuries to his head and face and required 40 stitches. His wife was treated for bruising on her hands and wrists and underwent a sexual assault evidence collection kit.
Jyrkinen and Sobers were apprehended on Oct. 8, 2018, at approximately 10 p.m., found in the victims’ Honda Civic outside of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Rushing was later arrested in Joplin, Missouri on Oct. 18, 2018.
Co-defendants Jyrkenin and Sobers had earlier entered guilty pleas. Jyrkenin was sentenced to 12 years for second-degree attempted murder and first-degree burglary. Sobers was sentenced to nine years for first-degree burglary.
Rushing’s sentencing today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun includes 18 years in prison followed by 15 years of post-release supervision. He is also required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
