Queens Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Beating Outside Chelsea Sex Shop in Manhattan
By Dan Gesslein
Manhattan Voice
November 3, 2026
NEW YORK, NY – A Queens man has been charged with murder in the fatal beating of a 60-year-old man outside a Chelsea sex shop in Manhattan. Police arrested the suspect after he allegedly returned to the crime scene to retrieve his cellphone less than an hour after the deadly attack.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the indictment of 25-year-old Imani McColley in the death of Lawrence Parente. McColley faces two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony, as well as charges of robbery in the first degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
Prosecutors allege McColley beat Lawrence Parente to death outside a Chelsea sex shop after becoming angry with store employees who had previously banned him from the establishment. According to the indictment, Parente was an innocent bystander who happened to be inside the store when McColley began arguing with workers.
“Lawrence Parente was allegedly murdered in a brutal and unprovoked act of violence on a Manhattan sidewalk,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Imani McColley violently assaulted Mr. Parente, senselessly ending the life of a beloved New Yorker. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and this indictment marks an important step toward holding the defendant accountable and securing justice for Mr. Parente’s loved ones, who are still grappling with his devastating death.”
According to the indictment, McColley entered the Chelsea sex shop near West 20th Street and Eighth Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. on October 11. Once inside, he allegedly began arguing with employees who told him he was banned from the store.
While the argument was taking place, Parente entered the establishment and attempted to walk past the group.
Prosecutors allege McColley suddenly grabbed Parente by the neck, forced him out of the store and pushed him onto the sidewalk. McColley then allegedly repeatedly stomped on the victim's head during the deadly street attack in Chelsea.
As Parente lay injured on the ground, McColley allegedly reached into his pockets and stole his wallet and cellphone before fleeing the scene.
Parente was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
Suspect Allegedly Returned to Chelsea Murder Scene to Retrieve Phone
Less than an hour after the fatal assault outside the Manhattan sex shop, prosecutors allege McColley returned to the scene to retrieve his cellphone.
Police officers spotted the suspect near the store and arrested him.
While inside the police patrol car, McColley allegedly kicked and damaged one of the vehicle's windows, according to prosecutors.
The charges against McColley are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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