Ghanaian Couple Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

A Ghanaian couple residing in Queens, New York City, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of a 5-year-old child.

Following a trial before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, faced charges for the brutal beating of Owusu’s son, King Owusu, resulting in his tragic death.

The jury trial, lasting two-and-a-half weeks, concluded with Owusu and Addae being convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. They could each face up to 25 years to life in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2024.

The Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, highlighted the severity of the crime, emphasizing the extensive injuries inflicted on the child over several days. The Suffolk County Police Department’s thorough investigation and the prosecutors’ dedication contributed to bringing justice for King’s death.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae subjected King to severe beatings using multiple instruments in their Queens apartment.

Despite witnessing the child’s deteriorating condition, they failed to seek medical help or provide care. Eventually, on April 1, 2021, they left King at a family member’s home in Brentwood, where he was later discovered deceased.

The medical examiner’s autopsy revealed that King suffered extensive injuries throughout his body, ultimately leading to his death.

Owusu and Addae are represented by legal counsel and are scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elena Tomaro and Scott Romano, with Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes leading the investigation for the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.