On March 30, 2023, 60-year-old Darrell Lee Aclese fatally stabbed his longtime friend, Darrell Brooks, following a dispute over car repairs. The two men, who had been friends for over 30 years, were at Aclese’s home in the 1400 block of Montague Avenue in Cedar Crest. Both had been drinking and using crack cocaine when the argument escalated. Brooks demanded $150 for repairs, but Aclese only offered him $20.
The dispute led to Aclese stabbing Brooks multiple times. Afterward, Aclese hid the knife and placed a hang-up call to 911. Shortly after the incident, Aclese’s sister called 911 and attempted to stop the bleeding. Paramedics arrived and rushed Brooks to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Aclese testified that he acted in self-defense, claiming Brooks had a tool bag containing a gun, but no gun was found at the scene. Aclese had a history of violence, having been unsuccessfully discharged from probation for a 2016 stabbing of two individuals, just 45 days before this murder.
On December 20, 2024, Aclese was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 42 years in prison. He has been incarcerated since 2023 and has appealed the verdict.
