Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. Then, Elvin Garcia, who police say is seen here wearing a mask. Mr. Muniz rushed over wielding a machete while Mr. Garcia, Mr. Rivera and Mr. Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago stabbed at him with large knives, security camera video and other evidence showed. In a panic, he tries to hide behind the counter. "A bright, beloved, athletic, soon-to . Of those 38, five were under the age of 10. Officer Kyle Oiwaka of the 48th Precinct took the stand on the 12th day of trial to testify about responding to a reported knife assault on the June 2018 night Junior was killed, and gave chilling details of the gory scene. WNBC reported that the . If you have a knife, you stab. According to prosecutors, Jos Muniz first hacks Junior with a machete. There, leaders passed around cellphone pictures of various Sunset members and asked the returning soldiers to identify the person they stabbed. Five gang members sentenced for killing a 15-year-old with a machete - CNN In the video, we see the 15-year-old ask for the help from the worker of the Cruz and Chiky Grocery on E. 183rd St. in the Bronx. Toni Messina has tried over 100 cases and has been practicing criminal law and immigration since 1990. But Morgan Dolan, the lead prosecutor, countered that weapons like knives and machetes kill and the gang members went in knowing that.. Heres how Lexis Search Advantage | Transactional unites internal and external research to create better deals faster. Guzman-Feliz had been part of the NYPD's Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. Passersby try to help. The murder of Lesandro, who went by the nickname Junior, was well documented on videotape from security cameras and the cellphones of witnesses, providing prosecutors with hard proof to support their case. (Jefferson Siegel/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS). In a photo obtained by The Post, a smiling Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, 15, wears an NYPD Explorers jacket proudly as he looks at the camera. The mural outside of the bodega where Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was attacked bears his birth and death dates: 2002 and 2018. Lesandro had bruising, scratches and small puncture wounds on his body, according to autopsy photos. News and analysis from this company could be a game-changer for legal professionals working globally. Gang ordered 'damage' before 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz death - New York Post Is that why Junior was targeted? That wound was inflicted by one defendant alone, Mr. Estrella. The New York City Police Foundation announced it planned to set up a scholarship in his name. She said it cut the bone that protects the spinal cord and left an exit wound on the other side of his neck. If convicted, they face life in prison. A teenager hunted down and dragged from a New York City bodega, then swarmed by attackers outside. Junior was spotted walking late at night in the Bronx neighborhood frequented by the Sunsets. Diego Suero leaving the 48th Precinct in the Bronx. Video surveillance showed the men dragging Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz out of a Bronx bodega on his back and stabbing him with long knives and a machete. What is the derivation of this distorted quest for manhood and meaning? As one defense counsel said in his summation, the biggest obstacle in this case for defendants was not the facts, it was the anger and the desire for retribution., The video of the killing was released to social media only hours after Juniors death. She used her summation to show the jury the boys final moments repeatedly, slowing it down to show each defendants actions. Hundreds attended his funeral last summer. Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was brutally attacked and slashed to death in June 2018 in a case of mistaken identity. Junior stumbles back into the bodega, leaving a trail of blood on the floor. I represented one of the Machete Monsters and I liked him. They also argued their clients were pretending to stab Lesandro because gang leaders were watching the assault. Hes making more money from Hogwarts: Legacy than her anyway. The night of the murder, my client, Manuel Rivera, wasnt carrying a machete; he wasnt a monster and he never intended to kill Junior. On the night of Juniors murder, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members when they spotted the 15-year-old walking. He specializes, New surveillance footage shows the moments before and after. Privacy Center | That night, Lesandro had left his home on Bathgate Avenue to lend a friend $5, his mother had said during an interview last year. The OCME said Wednesday the teens death in the Belmont area of the Bronx was a stab wound to the neck, and classified the death as a homicide. This 15-year-old boy, moments before death, fought like hell to get away, said Dolan. Witnesses say these two police officers stood by watching the scene. This Tool Can Help. As opposed to Trump, who says presidents are free to incite at will. "Today's verdicts will not bring Junior back. Junior rushes into this bodega just one block from his home. Blood was splattered on the floor and counter of Cruz & Chiki Deli on Bathgate Ave and 183rd St., the store Junior was dragged from as he desperately sought refuge from his attackers, the detective said. Both times the worker refuses to help the young teen. Why do so many buy into a life that restricts their freedom, imposes beatings for disobeying gang rules, and calls for violence to others? They also face manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and weapons charges. Five menSantiago Rodriguez, 24, Joniki Matinez, 24, Jose Muniz, 21, Danel Fernandez, 21, and Manuel Rivera, 18are currently on trial for the 2018 filmed murder. A street was named after Junior, a scholarship fund, a summer camp. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. ", Junior came to symbolize all of the young people who have lost their lives to brutal gang violence, said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. Erica Byfield reports. At Least Your Colleague Spat Wasnt This Bad: Some things we just dont share with the class. Junior gestures for someone to call 911. Police had seized the footage that night and it got leaked. Nearly a year after Lesandro was killed, a jury found five of the men guilty of murder and related charges on Friday, capping five weeks of testimony that provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Trinitarios, a highly organized and brutally violent Dominican gang. At Least 6 Minors Shot in Chicago in Last 24 Hours In the video, we see the 15-year-old ask for the help from the worker of the Cruz and Chiky Grocery on E. 183rd St. in the Bronx. Community member Elizabeth De Jesus likened the photo to a horror movie. "If they continue the violence in the city, theyre going to get the same thing. Two gang leaders convicted for 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz murder It is unclear if Reyes is in witness protection or has also been released with other gangbanger-turned-witness Kevin Alvarez, 20. Photo Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon Closing arguments proved to be just as emotional, as some jury members shed tears. Prosecutors showed jurors an autopsy photo showing the lethal wound to the neck of Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz. Defense lawyers for the four other defendants said in their closing arguments that the order from Mr. Suero had only been to injure a Sunset member, not to kill someone. See our privacy policy. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps, MACHETE MONSTERS GUILTY.. Dr. Rodriguez also said it was possible Junior may have survived if brought to the hospital sooner. GRAPHIC: CCTV and bystanders filming with their phones captured the gruesome Bronx bodega machete stabbing murder of Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman by Trinitarios gang members. Mistaking him for a member of a rival set, the gang chased the boy, Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, for blocks in the Belmont section of the Bronx, prosecutors said. An order had come from Mr. Suero, he said: Go after Sunset you already know what you have to do., Mr. Reyes said he understood that to be an order to do any kind of damage. Continuing coverage on the trial can be read here. READ: #JusticeForJunior: 19-Year-Old Charged in the Murder of Bronx Teenager. If you have a machete, use the machete.. The second day of trial in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was emotional and filled with graphic video and photos. Its alleged that defendant Jonaiki Martinez Estrella plunged the knife into Juniors neck near the end of the 20-second attack. #justiceforjunior #ripjunior ALL THAT MUST STOP . The teen wanted to be a police. Richard Harbus "A Bronx jury found the two leaders guilty for their role in the murder, closing another chapter of. Lets continue to examine why so many youths, particularly from inner cities, are attracted to the brutality of gangs. Junior suffered multiple wounds to his face, back, chest, legs and hands. The referrals are a nice bonus too, Get to figuring your way around AI sooner rather than later, Enjoy. On the night of June 20th , he was ordered by a leader nicknamed Psycho to find a Sunset (a rival gang member). Mere days after the trial kicked off startling never-before-seen footage of the savage machete attack was presented by prosecutors. Prior to deliberations starting, the judge told the jury they could deliberate over the five defendants on trial separately and return individual verdicts or wait to return the verdicts of all five at once. We will never sell or share your information without your consent. The New York City Police Foundation announced it planned to set up a scholarship in his name. Manuel Rivera is accused of repeatedly stabbing Junior. Henry also told of discovering a five-inch blade inside the passenger seat pocket of suspect Kevins Alvarezs 2003 gray Acura. Closing arguments continue in the murder trial of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. The only injury that caused Juniors death was clearly the neck wound. One of the Trinitarios, who turned cooperator and will now face no jail time, dragged Junior from the bodega where he was hiding and onto the street. ), It was shared millions of times on social media and in the general press. THE BRONX He knew they had killed the wrong guy. (L-R) Leandra Feliz and Lesandro Guzman, the mother and father of Lesandro (Junior) Guzman-Feliz, leave Bronx Supreme Court after the arraignments of 12 alleged Trinitarios gang members in July 2018. But these verdicts will send a messageto those who would commitacts of senseless violenc, and help us move forward and bring closure to this awful chapter in our borough's history.". Dr. Rodriguez confirmed what was already revealed in her report: that Juniors cause of death was a stab wound to the neck that came from a knife 4 1/2 inches in depth cutting his jugular vein.. In the video, we see the 15 . Facing first-degree murder charges in Juniors death are alleged Trinitarios street gang members Antonio Rodriguez, Hernandez Santiago, Elvin Garcia, Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, Jos Muiz and Manuel Rivera. Yes, he put the knife through his neck. When The Founder Of SCOTUSblog Calles It Quits, You Know Something Is UP: 5 is a tough crowd, 6 is a waste of time. Photo Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon "It was just starting," he said. What we do know is that for Junior like many teenagers growing up in gang-afflicted areas theres a fine line between hanging out on the streets and getting caught up in deadly violence. His understanding, as was everyones, was that the group was ordered to physically harm (not kill) any Sunset they found. Then he walked toward Adams Place, where he sometimes met with friends. All of the men charged have pleaded not guilty. Following the lengthy opening statements from the prosecution and defense attorneys for the five suspected gang members, the first of 14 to stand trial, the first witness took the stand. Bronx gangbangers were given the order to inflict any kind of damage they could on rivals just three days before the murder of innocent teen Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz, according to court testimony Friday. Nine others charged in the killing are awaiting trial. Yesterday lawyers for four of the suspects accused of stabbing 15-year-old . Find Lesandro stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. ", "It was a terrible year, it felt like 10 years. Assistant District Attorney Morgan Dolan used her time to go into detail about what the five defendants are accused of doing trapping Guzman at the Bronx bodega and hacking him to death with a machete. Understanding Big Law: A Must-Read Guide To One Of The Most Challenging Workplaces In The World Is Now Available. In recent months, turf wars have spiked among rival Trinitario factions. Hes at home with his mother. Members of the NYPD Junior league attend Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's funeral cerenomy at Our . This Aint One Of Them: Get to figuring your way around AI sooner rather than later. Surveillance footage from June shows a street chase by suspected members of the Trinitarios gang, as they hunted down 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. Following that, no amount of logic, analysis, or pleas for reason could convince jurors to set aside their emotions. The footage went viral and with it, rumor and speculation about why the 15-year-old boy known as Junior was singled out. [Featured Image: Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz/Facebook], 6-Year-Old Girl, 2 Adults Critically Wounded by Gunmen Looking for the Little Girls Father, Juror: Alex Murdaugh Convinces Himself of His Own Lies, Detroit Man Charged With Killing Friends Tot Daughter, Lesandro Guzman-Feliz valiantly avoided multiple attempted stabbings. Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes described how their subsets of the Trinitarios terrorized rivals, including a Trinitarios splinter group called Sunset. 'Justice for Junior': Slain teen memorialized by murals - AmNewYork Officers were called to a . But Reyes told the court that he couldnt follow through with Sueros order after looking Junior in the face. They gathered outside of Mr. Sueros apartment building on Boston Road, where they smoked hookah and played music. Surveillance video shows Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz being dragged from the Cruz and Chiky grocery store in the Bronx on June 20, 2018. Subscribe and get breaking news, commentary, and opinions on law firms, lawyers, law schools, lawsuits, judges, and more. They said that the store did not show good moral character. There is also a petition being spread around demanding the store get its license revoked. Then hes dragged from the bodega and brutally stabbed by a swarm of attackers. He was then stabbed and hacked to death with machetes by several attackers after being mistakenly identified. Man arrested for stealing fire department truck:, Coincidence prompted Powerball winner to buy ticket, Two women attacked from behind by group: NYPD, Moose on the Loose: Battle to become Yankees shortstop, Pop-up grocery store opens in Greenwich Village, Expert raises awareness about eating disorders, NY Rep. Dan Goldman talks House ethics probe into, What to know about teens and their mental health, Read Across America Day kicks off at NYC bookstore, Womens History Month: Highlighting women in medicine. Carrion says the testimony that all of the other wounds were superficial and did not cause Juniors death may not help the defense as much as theyd like. Cause of death released for Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Just 20 minutes later, Junior is pronounced dead as a result of a stab wound to the neck. The referrals are a nice bonus too! After that, they will lead off summations. Todays verdict fortifies the Bronx communitys stand against violence, "Today Junior's family, and in fact our entire city, has received a measure of justice," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz said in a statement. Mr. Alvarez testified that Lesandro was not in the photos. She said the jugular wound caused him to lose a lot of blood, but blood rushed out more quickly because no one applied pressure and he ran to the hospital. They are under investigation for failing to help. That isgonna stick with this jury for the rest of the weekend, he says. But at the end, it has a happy ending," said Manny Ortiz. A post shared by Robert Williams (@areumdawo_saja) on Jun 25, 2018 at 11:00pm PDT. Instead of turning to police, he turned to the Trinitarios, who like him, shared a Dominican heritage. Prosecutors rested their case today in the Junior murder trial, but not without a graphic and powerful finish. It brought cries for vengeance couched in the Justice for Junior slogan. Antonio Santiago is seen here from this other angle. Instead, he said, he watched as other Trinitarios members dragged Junior outside and hacked him to death with machetes and knives. Mr. Martinez Estrella, a probationary member, boasted to the others that Lesandro would not eat for a very long time because I hit him in the neck, Mr. Reyes testified. Celebrities react to tragic murder of 15-year-old in the Bronx She detailed the fatal path of the knife through the teens neck, which left a gaping hole on one side and a puncture wound on the other. The teen reportedly bled to death steps from the emergency room. Guzman-Feliz's mother, Leandra Feliz, wept and screamed at times during the emotional trial.. Todays verdict fortifies the Bronx communitys stand against violence., Lesandros mother, Leandra Feliz said, Im not going to have my son back, but those killers, those murderers, theyre not going to be outside killing another kid.. She described, in heartbreaking detail, how Guzman-Feliz looked up at her after the attack and motioned her to call 911. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Maybe these wounds didn't contribute to the death but they certainly contributed to the pain and agony he was suffering, which fulfills the elements of murder in the first degree and as a result they're still guilty, he says. Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. Knitting, perhaps, Some things we just dont share with the class, Kamala Harris Has Been Busy Breaking Judiciary Ties, DOJ Makes Radical Argument That Inciting Violence Is *Not* Within The Scope Of The President's Job, Working To Incorporate Legal Technology Into Your Practice Isn't Just A Great Business Move -- It's Required, Add Ai Research And Catching Up With Your Law School Buds To The Career Growth List See Also, Thomson Reuters Practical Law The Journal: Transactions & Business, The State Of Todays Corporate Law Departments, MyCase Continues To Simplify Law Firm Accounting, Right Where You Manage Your Practice, Meet LINK: The Easy Way To Handle All Your Document Workflows On Your Mobile Device In A Single App, Four Tips For Solo Attorneys To Build Their Marketing And Media Relations Skills, First Impressions Are Worth Millions For Summers. New surveillance footage shows the moments before and after LesandroJunior Guzman-Feliz was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. The five men who viciously slashed a New York teenager to death with . Sabathia. It was very painful, Guzman told reporters in Spanish. Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, known as 'Junior,' was mistaken for another person in a murder earlier this week described as "among the most brutal crimes I've seen in my 36yr career," New York . LexisNexis Brief Analysis produces powerful, near-instant legal argumentation insights using the power of AI. It also made his story easier to use as a rallying cry to target gangs that attract and control vulnerable teens like Manuel. GRAPHIC: Medical examiner details Junior's fatal neck wound as They hang out on a stoop close by, chatting and listening to hip-hop, according to Jason. Its 11:37. Then he starts running to St. Barnabas Hospital, just one block away. A New York prosecutor detailed how hard a 15-year-old tried to fight off a group of accused gang members as they allegedly stabbed him to death in front of a bodega last summer. 5 Convicted of Hacking Innocent Teenager 'Junior' Guzman to Death I explained to her what happened and she told me that I had to come back and face my consequences, he said about confessing to his mom. Nothing can. After a weeks-long trial filled with emotional testimonies, chilling revelations and graphic photos, the jury reached a verdict in the Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz murder trial. Also consider other hobbies. Prosecutors showed jurors an autopsy photo showing the lethal wound to the neck of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. How do you protect your children from predators? Guzman-Feliz's death sparked outrage in the Bronx and beyond and spurred the allocation of $18 million toward gang prevention in the borough. I saw he was scared, and he reminded me of a person that I had seen before, Reyes said, adding he felt very bad about the murder.
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