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Vigil Held For Philip Seymour Hoffman As Suspected Drug Dealers Deny Role In His Death
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 6, 2014
Modified Feb 6, 2014
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 6, 2014
Modified Feb 6, 2014
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Three of the four alleged drug dealers initially arrested by police as part of the investigation into actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's death were arraigned yesterday. However, a lawyer for one of the suspects, Robert Vineberg, said, "This case against Mr. Vineberg has absolutely nothing to do with the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. I hope the district attorney does not use Mr. Vineberg as a scapegoat for this unfortunate incident."
Police nabbed Vineberg, along with Max Rosenblum, 22, and Juliana Luchkiw, 22, at 302 Mott Street on Tuesday night, as part of their investigation into Hoffman's apparent fatal overdose. The AP reports: "Luchkiw and Rosenblum had two bags of cocaine, while investigators found about 300 packets of heroin, a bag of cocaine and about $1,200 in cash in Vineberg's apartment, according to criminal complaints." However, none of the bags of heroin—including "Red Bull," "Black List" and "Panda"—had the "Ace of Hearts" or "Ace of Spades" packaging that was found on the drugs found in Hoffman's apartment.
A fourth person, Thomas Cushman, 48, who was immortalized in the Beastie Boys' song "Hey Ladies" was arrested, but charges were dropped; he says he was "just visiting."
Vineberg's cellphone apparently had Hoffman's number in it—Vineberg's stepdaughter claims he did in fact sell drugs to Hoffman—and he was charged with "felony possession and intent to sell drugs."
Luchkiw and Rosenblum, a couple described as Vineberg's neighbors, were charged with misdemeanors (drug possession). Luchkiw's lawyer said, "She's not a drug dealer. She's a college student...She was in the wrong place at the wrong time," while Rosenblum's lawyer said his client "has nothing to do with Philip Seymour Hoffman... He walked into a buzz saw and happened to be in an apartment next to a place, apparently, where Mr. Hoffman was known to get drugs but he had nothing to do with it."
Vineberg was held without bail, as were Luchkiw and Rosenblum. The Daily News reports, "The couple’s lack of bail appeared unusual since they were hit with misdemeanors." Luchkiw said "Why is this happening? I can’t stay here another night!"
Hoffman, at a Knicks game on December 25, 2013 (Getty Images)
Hoffman was found dead at his Bethune Street apartment on Sunday morning. On Saturday night, he had dinner at Automatic Slim's, after which police say he went to the ATM at Greenwich and Bethune to take out $1,200 in cash in six installments over the course of an hour. (A witness claims he was with two men; police are reviewing surveillance footage in the area.)
His good friend David Bar Katz received texts from him at 8:44 p.m. and 8:58 p.m., about watching the second half of the Knicks game; when Katz texted back, after 11:30 p.m., Hoffman never replied.
A vigil was held for Hoffman behind Labyrinth Theater, the theater company he helped grow. The Rev. Jim Martin, a fellow LAByrinth member and Jesuit priest, said, "We come together tonight in a spirit of terrible mourning and incredible loss. But we also come together to celebrate a remarkable life."
And playwright and actor Eric Bogosian said, "Courage was his forte, always. Phil set his bar on the highest rung, on a rung above the highest rung. He pushed himself relentlessly until finally his efforts virtually redefined the very endeavor we call acting. That's what he wanted. He wanted to rock the world."
A wake is planned for this evening at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, with a private funeral tomorrow at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church.
Tagged
heroin
juliana luchkiw
max rosenblum
philip seymour hoffman
Robert Vineberg
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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