The court properly exercised its discretion in admitting evidence of defendant's gang membership. The expert's testimony that the gang to which defendant belonged engaged in random ritual slashings by which members earned advancement within the gang's hierarchy, coupled with the lack of any other discernible motive for defendant's attack on the victim, provided sufficient connection between defendant's gang membership and the crime (see, People v. Tai, 224 A.D.2d 328, lv denied 88 N.Y.2d 942). The evidence was highly relevant to explain why defendant, for no apparent reason, would suddenly attack a fellow occupant of a holding cell who had never seen defendant before. The court's thorough instructions minimized any prejudicial effect.
THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION, FIRST DEPARTMENT.