Erskin Felix, 38, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was the mastermind of a plan that resulted in charges of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree murder in the abduction and death of a wealthy landlord, officials say. His brother, Kendall Felix, 28, was also arrested in the case on charges of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence, CBS News reports.
The landlord, 39-year-old Menachem Stark, was abducted in Brooklyn outside his office the night of Jan. 2, 2014, by Erskin Felix and his cousin Kendel Felix, authorities charge. Kendel Felix was convicted last month of kidnapping and second-degree murder.
According to CBS News, Stark's charred remains were found in a Long Island, N.Y., dumpster at a gas station the day after his abduction.
According to authorities, Erskin Felix worked for Stark and was trying to extort money from him when he and his cousin kidnapped him.
Stark died of asphyxiation from one of the men sitting on his chest, officials charge.
Kendel Felix faces up to 25 years in prison and is to be sentenced next month. Erskin Felix, if convicted, also faces 25 years in prison. Kendall Felix is awaiting arraignment, but if convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Read more at CBS News.