A teenager has been indicted for the brutal murder of New York City poet and activist Ryan Carson, in a shocking caught-on-camera incident that has left the community in shock. Brian Dowling, 18, appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court where he was charged with second-degree murder and other charges related to the frenzied knife attack on Carson on October 2, 2023. Dowling, who is being held without bail, allegedly attacked Carson and spit in the face of his girlfriend, Claudia Morales, as they were on their way home from a wedding.
Video surveillance footage captured Dowling yelling threatening statements at Carson before stabbing him three times. He then turned to Morales, spat in her face, and kicked Dowling, who was already wounded and curled up on the sidewalk. Carson was pronounced dead at the scene. Dowling was arrested three days later and was seen weeping in a police cruiser. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Dowling’s lawyer, Ken Montgomery, declined to comment on the indictment. However, he previously described Dowling as a “good kid” who was not “looking for trouble.” Montgomery also suggested that Dowling may have mental health issues.
Ryan Carson, 31, was a respected poet and senior solid waste campaign manager at the New York Public Interest Research Group. His tragic death has prompted tributes from New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, both of whom worked with Carson on various campaigns.
In response to the devastating loss, a GoFundMe page has been created to support Morales and Carson’s friends as they take time off work to mourn. The page has already raised over $73,000.
The investigation into this shocking murder continues, with the community grappling with the loss of a talented poet and dedicated activist.
