Trial begins for tenant accused of killing Flatbush building handyman — over hot water complaint

The murder trial of an ex-convict who is accused of stabbing his building handyman to death began yesterday in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Errol Irving allegedly stabbed Shayne Sinclair, the handyman, in February because he felt angry that his apartment on East 51st Street in Flatbush did not have heat or hot water, the New York Post reported.

Irving allegedly attacked inclair when the handyman went to pick up his tools; Sinclair’s friends and daughters were waiting outside at the time of the incident.

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Irving previously served a total of 20 years for incest and sodomy.

“All of that anger should have been directed at the landlord,” said Assistant District Attorney Bernarda Villalona in yesterday’s trial. “Shayne Sinclair didn’t have a chance. He was unarmed and was just going in to get his tools.” [NYP]