Almost a year after the death of fashion designer Kathryn "Katie" Gallagher at the age of 35 in her New York City apartment, a man believed to be linked to multiple deaths and robberies has been formally charged. The individual, identified as Kenwood Allen, aged 34, has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to Gallagher's demise, as reported by The New York Times. Allen is said to be facing five murder charges in total. The charges encompass 10 counts of second-degree murder, 17 counts of robbery and attempted robbery, and 11 counts of second-degree assault, among others. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City had previously determined that Gallagher's cause of death was due to a combination of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, and ethanol intoxication. The manner of her death was deemed a homicide. Authorities suspect that her passing was part of a series of incidents involving violent drugging and robberies occurring in Lower Manhattan throughout 2022.
From March 18 to December 18, 2022, it is alleged that Allen engaged in a series of criminal activities in lower Manhattan, either alone or with accomplices, according to the district attorney's statement. The statement further suggests that in many instances, Allen drugged victims with substances like fentanyl and other opioids to facilitate theft of their belongings and personal information, including credit cards, watches, and phones.
It's reported that Sean Shirley, aged 36, is suspected to be Allen's associate, though he is not being charged in connection with Gallagher's death. Authorities assert that Allen followed Gallagher home from a bar, offered her drugs, and she was found dead the following morning in her apartment.
Gallagher, a talented painter and renowned fashion designer, had launched her own fashion line in 2010, showcasing 26 collections at prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Her 27th collection was in development at the time of her passing.
Aside from Gallagher, Allen is said to have additional alleged victims, including Alexander Rudnitsky, Sadath Ahmed, Nurbo Shera, and Ardijan Berisha. Shirley, on the other hand, is facing second-degree murder charges related to Ahmed and Rudnitsky's deaths.
In a separate case, several individuals were charged for their involvement in the deaths of two men who were allegedly drugged and then robbed after visiting gay bars in New York City.