Columbia Student's Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison

Vincent Pinkney was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison for the 2021 murder of Columbia University doctoral student Davide Giri and the attempted murders of two other individuals during a spree in Central Park. Giri's family, who traveled from Italy, were present in the Manhattan courtroom for the sentencing.

Davide Giri, 30, was fatally stabbed on December 2, 2021, as he walked home from soccer practice. He was attacked from behind in Morningside Park by Pinkney, who was on parole at the time for a previous gang assault conviction.

Prosecutors stated that Giri's killing was part of a terrifying 15-minute stabbing spree by Pinkney. Shortly after attacking Giri, Pinkney stabbed a 27-year-old Italian tourist. The violence concluded when Pinkney attempted to stab another victim in Central Park, but that individual was able to thwart the attack and alert law enforcement.

Pinkney, 30, pleaded guilty on July 10 to one count of murder in the second degree and two counts of attempted murder in the second degree. His plea agreement included the promised sentence of 25 years to life.

During the sentencing, Pinkney's attorney stated he was suffering from a psychotic episode and had schizophrenia, which contributed to the attacks. Pinkney also apologized to the victims and their families.

Giri, an Italian national who came to the U.S. in 2016 to pursue his academic dreams, was working as a teaching assistant and pursuing a doctorate in computer science. His family described him as a "brilliant mind" whose future was cut short.

"Davide lost the entire future he was building with dedication, passion and sacrifice," Giri's sister, Caterina, said in a statement read in court. "His life plans, the family he longed for, and the scientific research he would have given to the world."

Columbia University honored Giri posthumously with a degree and established the Davide Giri Memorial Prize, an annual award for its students. A professor noted Giri's contributions as an "exceptional researcher, a leader in mentoring younger students, and in fostering collaborations."