Grandmother of Burberry Bandit Says She’ll Ring His Neck After Latest Arrest
Relatives tie alleged mental health struggles and a controversial parole release to the case of the Burberry Bandit, NYC’s infamous bank robber.
New York City's infamous bank robber known as the Burberry Bandit was arrested on Sept. 15 while on parole for allegedly knocking over five banks between Aug. 16 and Sept. 13, authorities said. The 35-year-old has 34 prior arrests, and relatives told The Post the case underscores ongoing concerns about how the city handles defendants who may be dealing with mental health issues and a fixation on high-end fashion.
Cornell Neilly rose to notoriety after surveillance footage captured him in Burberry tartan during a 2012 Bank of America robbery in Midtown. An Upper West Side aunt described him as sharp dressed and told The Post he looked good. She recalled, 'They used to call him that because of the way he used to dress. He was sharp. He did look good.' An adoptive grandmother offered a different perspective, suggesting Neilly may be bipolar and off his medications, though she added there is no public record showing he sought or received mental health help in city care systems.
Authorities say Neilly was arrested outside the Manhattan apartment he shared with relatives on West 65th Street near West End Avenue on Sept. 15, returning from a meeting with his parole officer. The women recount that he told them, 'I’ll be right back; I gotta go across the street to talk to my parole officer.' Minutes later, two white squad cars pulled up and officers rushed out; one officer drew a weapon, and Neilly surrendered, walking back with his hands up.
Judge Jeffrey Gershuny, appointed in 2019 by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, reportedly ignored prosecutors’ request for $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond and released Neilly despite the fact that he was already on parole. The decision to release drew scrutiny given Neilly’s long history and the allegations surrounding the latest string of robberies. Neilly, whose birth mother and grandmother died while he was in prison, returned to the Upper West Side apartment after Gershuny’s ruling. The relatives said they would not tolerate any further trouble and that the family’s concern about his health remains unresolved.
'I told him, I love you. Stay out of trouble,' the adoptive granny recalled. Neilly reportedly replied, 'Okay, grandma, I love you too.' The aunt said she would not hesitate to intervene if his behavior suggested a relapse, explaining, 'I’m going to ring his neck.'
There is no record that Neilly sought or received mental health treatment in city systems, a detail his relatives cited as part of what they view as broader failures to connect at-risk individuals with care. The Post has reported on the case as part of a wider discussion about how the city handles parole, treatment, and public safety for defendants with extensive criminal histories and potential psychiatric needs.
This latest chapter in the Burberry Bandit saga adds a conspicuous example of the complex interplay between law enforcement, the judiciary, and health services in New York City. Critics say the case highlights gaps in pretrial monitoring and ongoing support that could prevent recurrences, while supporters emphasize the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence in a system that remains under strain. The family’s perspective — emphasizing mental health considerations and the impact of parole decisions — contributes to a broader national conversation about how cities balance accountability with access to care for people who may be at risk of reoffending.
As the investigation continues, observers will watch for any new charges, parole status updates, and the extent to which mental health resources are mobilized to address underlying issues. The Burberry Bandit’s case remains a focal point for discussions about criminal justice reform, patient care, and the safety of New York City communities.
The family’s accounts and the public record together paint a portrait of a long-running criminal case intertwined with questions about access to treatment, support networks, and the risks associated with parole in a city confronting persistent challenges around mental health and crime. The saga, already well known in local tabloid circles, continues to unfold as authorities pursue the latest allegations and implement decisions made in court rooms across the city.
