Fugitive pleads guilty in 1996 stabbing death

Cousins

WHITE PLAINS – A St. Andrews, Jamaica man pled guilty in Westchester County Court on Monday to manslaughter in the death of Jason Campbell.
On September 12, 1996 at the Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, Gifton Cousins, also known as Michael Cousins, 48, worked as a caddy there and became involved in a dispute with the victim, another caddy.
At some point, the argument became physical at which time Cousins pulled a knife and stabbed Campbell, 23, once in the chest. Campbell stumbled toward the pro shop at the golf course where he collapsed. He was taken to New Rochelle Hospital where he died.
Police recovered the knife, but Cousins fled the country. He was located last year in Jamaica, taken into custody and returned to Westchester County last October.
When sentenced in June, he faces five to 25 years in state prison. He remains in the county jail pending sentencing.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.