Coney Island Gang Members Charged With Murder, Prosecutors Say

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Four Coney Island gangsters face life in prison after they were indicted on charges of murder, witness tampering and robbery in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, prosecutors said.

Four members of the Mermaid Houses’ West End Enterprise gang stand accused of killing a rival gang member, multiple shootings, dealing drugs and intimidating witnesses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The West End Enterprise gang members — Tysheen “Billz” Cooper, 26, Gabriale Herbert, 20, Michael “Mitty” Liburd, 27, Sharod “Pop” Liburd, 20, and Maurice “Flaco” Washington, 28 — were charged with the death of Antwon Flowers, who was shot dead outside the Mermaid Houses in January 2016, prosecutors said.

Investigators believe Flowers was killed in retaliation for the murder of a West End Enterprise gang leader in East New York the day before, said prosecutors.

The four men were named in a 12-count indictment which details crimes that date back to 2011 and include several retaliatory shootings against rival Sex, Money, Murder gang members, said investigators.

“The men charged in this case created a dirty underbelly in a family oriented place, accused of murder, violence and criminal behavior,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney.

“People usually think of Coney Island as a fun place to ride the rides, and have a hot dog on the beach,” said Sweeney. “These dangerous gangs don’t have a place on Coney Island, or in any community.”

Photo courtesy of GoogleMaps/Sept. 2013