New York, NY – The New York City community is mourning the shocking death of Darrell Montgomery, a 33-year-old man from Flatbush, Brooklyn, whose dismembered body was discovered outside his apartment building on Friday morning. Friends, family, and neighbors are remembering him as a kind, non-violent individual who was looking forward to celebrating his 34th birthday next month.
Montgomery, described by his family as a “gentle soul,” lived a quiet life and was known for his loving nature. His mother, who wished to remain anonymous, was visibly heartbroken outside the E. 21st Street building near Ditmas Avenue, the very steps from where her son’s remains were found in a blue trash bin.
“I was going to the train, and they called me to tell me what happened,” she said through tears. “I passed out on the train.”
Montgomery’s family, who live out of state, rushed to the scene as soon as they heard the devastating news. Law enforcement officials at the building’s sixth-floor apartment could not immediately share details, leaving loved ones in anguish.
“My son was a loving son,” the mother said. “He stays to himself and he didn’t bother nobody.”
Discovery of the Body
Construction workers discovered Montgomery’s dismembered remains after detecting a foul odor near the building just after 9 a.m. The victim’s head and torso were found inside a black plastic garbage bag. Police immediately secured the apartment for further investigation, though it remains unclear if additional remains were recovered from inside.
The city Medical Examiner has taken the remains for autopsy, which will officially confirm the identity of the victim.
Neighborhood Recollections
Neighbors described Montgomery as living with a much taller man, possibly his boyfriend, who stood around 6-foot-3, while Montgomery himself was just 5-foot-4. The pair had reportedly moved into the building together shortly after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Where you saw the tall one, you saw the short one,” a 54-year-old resident recalled. Another neighbor, 75, noted seeing the roommate outside the building the day before Montgomery’s body was discovered.
Police are seeking to question the roommate in connection with Montgomery’s death. No arrests have been made as of now.
Family Remembers a Loving Brother
Montgomery’s younger sister, Shakeema, spoke of her brother’s gentle, family-oriented nature, expressing disbelief at the horrific crime.
“I’m thinking this is a dream,” Shakeema said. “I was just reading this article about this killing yesterday and I didn’t know it was my brother.”
She shared fond memories of Montgomery, including moments when he would pick her up from school. “He was not violent at all — so for this guy, he had to intimidate my brother,” she said.
Shakeema emphasized the family’s desire for justice. “I honestly want justice. My brother was not violent,” she said.
Darrell Montgomery’s tragic death has left a profound mark on those who knew him, highlighting a life remembered for love, gentleness, and devotion to family.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the case.