Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued the following statement in response to the arrest this past weekend in the July 2007 murder of local Bay Ridge real estate broker Magdy Okelly:

     “The residents of Bay Ridge were stunned by the gruesome murder of Mr. Magdy Okelly in 2007, in his home on 100 ^th  Street, so the news of an arrest is welcomed in the neighborhood.  Residents can be relieved that this case has been solved, due to the extraordinary efforts and diligence of the 68 ^th  Precinct, and the killer no longer enjoys freedom.

I commend Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez and the entire 68 ^th  Precinct for their efforts in pursuing all leads in this case to ensure that justice was served. The person responsible for Mr. Okelly’s death is now behind bars.

May Mr. Okelly rest in peace and may his contributions to our community be remembered.”