Stabbing of mother and her dog brings 20 to life for Brooklyn man

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announces a conviction. Photo: Ben Fractenberg/The City

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of his mother inside their Starrett City apartment. The defendant fatally stabbed the victim more than 50 times and threw the family dog from their 11th-floor balcony.

“It is heartbreaking that a mother lost her life so violently at the hands of her only child. This tragedy has shattered a family and deeply affected her loved ones,” the DA said. “My office remains steadfast in pursuing justice for victims and holding those who commit such acts of domestic violence fully accountable.”

The defendant, Andre Eugene, 38, of Starrett City, Brooklyn, was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Sept. 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on Jan. 19, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to 1500 Hornell Loop in Starrett City after receiving multiple reports of a disturbance.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Donna Hyman, 58, inside her apartment. She had been stabbed approximately 55 times in her neck, chest, arms, back and scalp, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her small dog, “Gigi,” was found deceased outside the building, having been stabbed approximately 32 times and thrown from the balcony.

The defendant, who lived with the victim, was found shortly thereafter outside the building, naked and covered in blood, and was taken into custody.

The defendant was hospitalized for self-inflicted stab wounds and a dog bite. He was charged with his mother’s murder on Jan. 24, 2024.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jafari of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Homicide Bureau Chief Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini.