Fugitive arraigned for 2017 murder of college student

January 13, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Photo by Rob Abruzzese

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FLATBUSH — A BROOKLYN MAN WANTED SINCE 2017 has been arraigned for the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Justin Hackley, a Delaware State University student visiting home during a summer break. Dean Boland, 35, of Flatbush, allegedly killed Hackley during a confrontation on Ocean Avenue near Church Avenue on July 11, 2017.

According to the investigation, on that day, Rasheed Boland, the defendant’s brother, hit on a woman, sparking a fight with her boyfriend that was stopped by a friend of Hackley’s. Rasheed Boland allegedly went home and got his brother, before both returned to the area with guns. At about 11:35 p.m., Hackley stepped out of an Ocean Avenue building with his friend. The brothers then allegedly crossed the street and started to pistol whip the friend. Hackley struggled with Rasheed Boland and was shot twice, according to the D.A.’s office. Dean Boland was disarmed. Both brothers fled.

Dean Boland was arrested in Albany on Jan. 9 by U.S. Marshals, while his brother was captured in Texas in 2019. Both men face second-degree murder charges.

“This case involved the tragic death of an innocent young man with a promising future,” said Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez. “We are determined to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged actions.”

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