2 accused in cop's death face charges in robbery

When Dexter Bostic and Robert Ellis were led into a Queens courtroom Wednesday to face attempted murder charges from a 2007 Queens robbery, they were greeted by a packed room full of stone-faced police and detectives.

It was a reminder of their roles in the fatal shooting of New York police Officer Russel Timoshenko in Brooklyn, just a day after they shot and robbed a Queens man, according to prosecutors.

While Bostic, 38, is already serving a life sentence for shooting Timoshenko, prosecutors hope the new charges in the Queens robbery may keep Ellis, 37, in jail beyond the 15 years he is serving on a weapons possession charge. He was acquitted of murder in the police shooting.

"This case is just one more glaring example of mindless gun-related violence that recklessly puts people's lives at risk," said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a news release.

"I don't see anything worse than their faces just smiling," said Tatyana Timoshenko of Staten Island, mother of the slain officer. "I cannot call them people. I call them animals."

Both pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of first-degree robbery, one count of second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

If convicted, Bostic faces a minimum of 25 years to life in prison and Ellis faces up to 25 years in prison.

Bostic asked Supreme Court Judge Gregory Lasak for a new attorney, telling him, "I just found out I was being charged in this case." Lasak did not make a ruling on his request.

Bostic is represented by John Wallenstein of Garden City, and Ellis is represented by Michael Siff of Kew Gardens.

"It's going to be an interesting battle," Wallenstein said after the arraignment.

Siff could not be reached for comment.

Around 5 a.m. on July 8, 2007, Field was standing on a Jamaica corner with a friend when a car driven by Ellis pulled up to the corner and Bostic exited the vehicle, shooting a silver .45-caliber handgun, according to the district attorney's office.

Field attempted to flee but was shot once in his left leg and he fell, the district attorney said. Bostic took over $1,800 in cash, a chain and the keys to Field's car before fleeing, the district attorney said.

Less than 24 hours later, Bostic used the same gun to fire on Timoshenko in Brooklyn, prosecutors said.

Timoshenko and his partner Officer Herman Yan pulled over a stolen BMW SUV with Bostic, Ellis and a third accomplice, Lee Woods. As the officers approached, shots rang out.

Bostic, of Far Rockaway, was convicted of murder in 2009. Ellis, also of Far Rockaway, was accused of shooting Yan, who was saved by a bullet-resistant vest. Woods, 32, the driver, is serving a life term for the murder.