An 87-year-old convicted killer with a decades-long violent criminal history has once again been found guilty of murder—this time in the brutal killing and dismemberment of a Brooklyn woman.
The shocking case has drawn national attention, not only because of the horrific nature of the crime, but also because the defendant had already spent more than 50 years behind bars for killing two other women before being released on parole.
87-Year-Old Harvey Marcelin Found Guilty in Brooklyn Murder Case
Brooklyn prosecutors announced that Harvey Marcelin, 87, was convicted on May 7 of multiple charges connected to the 2022 murder of 68-year-old Susan Leyden.
The charges include:
- First-degree murder
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Concealment of a human corpse
The conviction came after investigators presented disturbing surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and items recovered from Marcelin’s apartment.
Victim Last Seen Entering Marcelin’s Apartment
According to prosecutors, Susan Leyden was last seen alive on February 27, 2022.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Leyden entering Marcelin’s apartment building on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn.
After that, she was never seen alive again.
Days later, the investigation took a horrifying turn.
Torso Found in Shopping Cart Near Apartment
On March 3, 2022, a man riding an e-bike reportedly discovered a black plastic bag inside a shopping cart near Marcelin’s apartment.
When authorities examined the bag, they found Leyden’s torso.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from the area.
According to prosecutors, the footage showed Marcelin pushing a wheeled shopping bag containing a large black plastic bag down the street just hours before the body was discovered.
Police Search Revealed More Human Remains
After the gruesome discovery, police searched Marcelin’s apartment.
Inside, investigators reportedly found:
- Leyden’s head
- Her arms and legs
- Blood evidence
- Cleaning supplies
- A hammer
- Packaging for an electric saw
A few days later, one of Leyden’s legs was reportedly found in another black plastic bag several blocks away.
Additional surveillance footage allegedly showed Marcelin transporting another suspicious black bag using an electric mobility scooter.
Store Footage Linked Marcelin to Crime
Prosecutors also introduced surveillance footage from a Manhattan hardware store.
According to investigators, the video allegedly showed Marcelin purchasing:
- An electric saw
- Cleaning supplies
- Other items believed to be connected to the crime
Authorities say the purchases were made around the same time Leyden disappeared.
Medical Examiner Confirmed Violent Death
The Medical Examiner determined that Susan Leyden died from blunt force trauma to the head along with other serious physical injuries.
Investigators discovered that Marcelin and Leyden had reportedly lived in the same Bronx shelter several years earlier.
However, prosecutors say the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Harvey Marcelin’s Violent Criminal History
One of the most shocking parts of this case is Marcelin’s long history of violence.
Before Leyden’s murder, Marcelin had already served decades in prison for killing two other women.
First Murder Conviction
In 1963, Marcelin was convicted of fatally shooting girlfriend Jacqueline Bonds inside a Manhattan apartment.
He served approximately 20 years before being released on parole in 1984.
Second Killing After Release
Just one year after his release, Marcelin was arrested again.
Authorities say Marcelin fatally stabbed another girlfriend, Ana Laura Sierra, in 1985.
Her body was reportedly left inside a garbage bag near Central Park.
After pleading guilty to manslaughter, Marcelin returned to prison.
He was eventually released on parole again in 2019.
Prosecutors Say Marcelin Will Never Be Free Again
Following the guilty verdict, prosecutors said justice had finally been served.
Authorities emphasized that the conviction ensures Marcelin will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
For Susan Leyden’s family, the verdict may offer some long-awaited closure after an unimaginably brutal loss.
