Brooklyn man indicted for 2020 Crown Heights murder, extradited after fleeing to Ohio

September 15, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez
Photo: Rob Abruzzese/Eagle.

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Three years after the fatal shooting of Nicholas Isaac, 23, in Crown Heights, his alleged killer is finally facing justice. Robert Bryson, 64, formerly of Brooklyn, was extradited this week and arraigned Wednesday for the murder that took place outside a local bike and scooter shop in 2020.

“Nicholas Isaac’s life was cut short far too soon and hopefully his family will find some solace with today’s indictment, knowing that for three years a team of law enforcement professionals remained vigilant in bringing his alleged killer to justice,” District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

According to Brooklyn District Attorney Gonzalez, the two men were both present outside the shop on 662 Nostrand Ave. around 3 p.m. on July 18, 2020, when a dispute arose between them. Reports allege that an hour after the initial altercation, Bryson returned on foot, brandishing a firearm. Isaac, attempting to flee from the impending danger, was shot but managed to run inside the store. Pursuing him inside, Bryson allegedly fired several more rounds at Isaac, who was desperately trying to escape.

Wounded from the assault, Isaac was rushed to Kings County Hospital. Despite undergoing surgical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

After the alleged crime, Bryson didn’t remain in Brooklyn for long. Leaving his scooter behind, he fled the scene on another scooter. It wasn’t until Aug. 22, 2023, that he was apprehended in Cleveland by the Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. Marshals NY NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force also contributed to his capture.

On Wednesday, in front of Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin, Bryson was charged with one count of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. With bail denied, Bryson is set to appear again in court on Oct. 27, 2023. If convicted on the primary count, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison.