Two Paterson men among three convicted in Brooklyn gambling den murder
By Jonathan Greene
Published: January 31, 2025

A federal jury in Brooklyn on Thursday convicted two men from Paterson and another from Newark on charges related to a fatal shooting during an armed robbery at an illegal gambling spot in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.
Brian Castro, 24, and Musah Coward, 33, both of Paterson, along with Charles Powell, 26, of Newark, were found guilty on four counts, including the firearm-related murder of Rodney Maxwell, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and Hobbs Act robbery. Powell was also convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
The charges stem from an October 7, 2020, armed robbery at an illegal gambling establishment on Hegeman Avenue. Prosecutors said the three men planned the robbery and traveled from New Jersey to Brooklyn, with Coward driving. Powell and Castro entered the location while Coward remained outside. During the robbery, Maxwell, who was providing security, was shot twice—once in the back by Castro with a 9-millimeter pistol and once in the chest by Powell with a .380 caliber pistol. Maxwell later died from his injuries.
According to trial evidence, Powell also fired indiscriminately into a fleeing crowd, striking three people who survived. Castro later confessed to the robbery and killing in a conversation with a friend who was working as an FBI confidential informant and recorded the exchange. In the recording, Castro described how the men stole thousands of dollars and mocked Maxwell’s final moments.
Powell, who had a prior felony conviction in New Jersey for possession of a weapon, was convicted of possessing three .380 caliber cartridges linked to the shooting.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for the victims of this vicious and senseless crime that was driven by greed and carried out with a complete disregard for human life,” stated John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “The defendants are responsible for murdering Rodney Maxwell, who was gunned down in cold blood, and the carnage could have been even worse with the wanton shooting of terrified bystanders.”
Durham praised the prosecutors, law enforcement, and jury for ensuring the defendants were held responsible for the violent robbery.
The verdict followed a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Eric R. Komitee. When sentenced, each defendant faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.