He Spent Decades Behind Bars for Killing 2 Girlfriends. At 87, He’s on Trial Again for Allegedly Dismembering Another Woman

Harvey Marcelin, an 87-year-old man with a history of violent crime, is currently on trial for the alleged murder of Susan Leyden, whose dismembered body was found in Brooklyn in 2022. This case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the gruesome nature of the crime but also because of Marcelin’s previous convictions for the murders of two former girlfriends.

Marcelin faces several serious charges, including first and second-degree murder, concealment of a human corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. The body of Susan Leyden, who was 68 years old at the time of her death, was discovered in various locations after she was last seen entering Marcelin’s apartment on 27 February 2022. The prosecution has described the case as particularly chilling, with disturbing details emerging during the trial that began on 20 April at Brooklyn Supreme Court.

In her opening statement, prosecutor Viviane Dussek stated, “Looks can be deceiving,” as she described the horrific circumstances surrounding Leyden’s death. She alleged that Marcelin decapitated and dismembered Leyden. The court heard that Leyden’s torso, missing both head and limbs, was found in a rolling bag on a street in East New York on 3 March 2022. Marcelin’s arrest took place shortly thereafter, with authorities claiming Leyden’s head was located in his apartment.

Surveillance footage played an important role in the case, with witnesses observing an individual leaving Marcelin’s building pushing a bag similar to the one containing Leyden’s remains. Further footage reportedly showed Marcelin purchasing tools and cleaning supplies that could be linked to the crime. A black plastic bag, which contained a severed leg identified as belonging to Leyden, was found nearby by investigators, and additional footage suggested Marcelin was cleaning evidence in his apartment.

The court has been informed that Marcelin, who uses a wheelchair, has pleaded not guilty, asserting his innocence during a 2022 interview. His legal team from Brooklyn Defender Services has raised the defence that a woman named Lisa Lindahl was present in the apartment during the crucial time frame. Lindahl, described as having been homeless and struggling with addiction, allegedly met Marcelin in a park before visiting his home. Prosecutors have claimed she was under the influence of drugs during that period but nonetheless expressed panic upon discovering Leyden’s body.

Defence attorney Alison Stocking emphasised that DNA evidence from the murder scene did not match either Marcelin or Leyden. However, this DNA has yet to be tested against Lindahl’s, which could potentially cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.

Marcelin’s criminal history is lengthy and troubling. He was first imprisoned in 1963 and later paroled after serving 21 years for the murder of his girlfriend, Jacqueline Bonds. He was convicted again in the 1980s for the manslaughter of Ana Laura Sierra, whose remains were also discovered in a plastic bag. After serving over 30 years for that crime, Marcelin was released in 2019.

Susan Leyden, once the proprietor of a jewellery business, lived in a homeless shelter at the time of her death. Despite her struggles, prosecutors allege that Marcelin became infatuated with her. Reports claim he maintained multiple Facebook profiles illustrating Leyden’s image, suggesting an unhealthy fixation.

The case stands out not only for its heinous nature but also for the complexities surrounding its key figures. Marcelin has described his struggle with his identity, claiming to have dual personas—one being nurturing and kind, while the other harbours darker tendencies. This disturbing insight adds a psychological dimension to the ongoing trial.

As the legal proceedings continue, many await the outcome, hoping for a resolution to the grim case. The trial serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for violence hidden beneath the surface, even amongst those who may seem harmless at first glance. Public interest in the outcome remains high, given Marcelin’s extensive background and the tragic fate of Susan Leyden.