# Queens homicide investigation of Carlos Penzo

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/queens-homicide-investigation-of-carlos-penzo
> Updated: 2026-08-14T05:23:03.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Bretford Brewer, 36, has been charged with homicide following the death of Carlos Penzo in a Long Island City apartment. Investigators report that the two men may have arranged to meet via social media for a sexual encounter.

According to police, Brewer entered the building on July 31, 2026, claiming he was there to visit Penzo. Following a 911 call from the victim on August 1, Penzo was discovered deceased in his bathroom with multiple stab wounds to the head, face, and chest. Two kitchen knives were recovered at the scene.

After the attack, Brewer reportedly fled to the building’s rooftop, where he was seen attempting to destroy security cameras with a fire extinguisher. He was subsequently detained, and a search of his belongings yielded clothing and identification with bloodstains.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Queens homicide investigation: Bretford Brewer charged in death of Carlos Penzo

Bretford Brewer faces homicide charges after Carlos Penzo was found stabbed to death in a Queens apartment following a suspected social media encounter.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queens-homicide-investigation-bretford-brewer-charged-in-death-of-carlos-penzo

### 2026-08-06: Queens Murder Suspect Bretford Brewer Arrested for Killing Carlos Penzo

Bretford Brewer, 36, was arrested and charged with murder after stabbing Carlos Penzo, 36, in a bathtub at the Hayden luxury high‑rise in Queens. He fled the rooftop nude, trying to destroy security cameras.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queens-murder-suspect-bretford-brewer-arrested-for-killing-carlos-penzo

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Cite as: Queens homicide investigation of Carlos Penzo. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/queens-homicide-investigation-of-carlos-penzo