Posted on: February 28, 2026 10:30 AM

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Two members of the folk Nation gangster disciples indicted for murders in Brooklyn in 2012 and 2015

A five-count superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn that includes new racketeering charges relating to defendants Kwyme Waddell and Paolo Alfarobarber, who, along with co-defendant Joel Myrie, are alleged to be members of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples (GD).  The superseding indictment charges both Waddell and Alfarobarber with racketeering conspiracy including predicate acts of murder, robbery, fraud, and narcotics trafficking.  Waddell is charged with the murder of Franklin McPherson in September 2012 and Alfarobarber is charged with the murder of Armani Thomas in November 2015.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica Tisch, Commissioner, New York Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges and arrests.

“Today’s superseding indictment charging two murderers demonstrates our Office’s commitment to seek justices for all victims, regardless of how long it takes,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “We intend to eradicate street gangs and hold their members accountable for senseless acts of gun violence that endanger our communities.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force for their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

As alleged in the superseding indictment and in court filings, GD is a violent gang that engages in murder, robbery, narcotics trafficking, fraud, and counterfeiting.  GD members elevate their statuses in the gang by engaging in these types of criminal activities.  Specifically, GD members are known to engage in violent acts against rival gang members to enhance their reputation in the gang.  Waddell and Alfarobarber were previously charged with their alleged participation in a drive-by shooting on Father’s Day in 2022 in a rival gang neighborhood during which a victim was shot and injured.

The superseding indictment charges Kwyme Waddell for the murder of Franklin McPherson on September 25, 2012, Waddell’s birthday.  Waddell shot and killed McPherson while McPherson was sitting on his front porch outside of his home in East Flatbush, New York.  The superseding indictment also charges Paolo Alfarobarber with the murder of Armani Thomas on November 10, 2015, while Thomas was hanging out in the stairwell of his apartment building located in Brooklyn, New York.

The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

From DOJ