Some Trinitarios took orders from Mr. Suero, whom they called Santa Claus, according to Mr. Alvarez and Michael Reyes, who also testified for the prosecution. Sabathia. Also consider other hobbies. THE BRONX As they rested their case in the "Junior" murder trial Friday, prosecutors turned to the medical examiner who performed the teen's autopsy, offering graphic detail of the wound that. "This 15-year-old boy, moments before death, fought like . Only someone in the gang would know the response. Junior gestures for someone to call 911. Five other people have been arrested and accused of involvement in the crime. Ultimately, he was slashed in the neck and died after running to a hospital three blocks away. My client, age 18 (and nine months, as the prosecutor liked to remind jurors), had joined a dangerous gang, the Trinitarios, and without the benefit of his mother, left behind in the Dominican Republic, made some very poor decisions that will now land him in jail probably for the rest of his life. I didnt see the kid., 5 Convicted of Hacking Innocent Teenager Junior Guzman to Death, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/nyregion/lesandro-guzman-murder-trinitarios-verdict.html. New York Police Department . It was very painful, Guzman told reporters in Spanish. The store owner unlocked a door leading to the area where Lesandro was hiding, Mr. Alvarez said, and told them to take the fight outside. Newly released videos show Junior's desperate final moments before The men punched and kicked Lesandro before dragging him out. 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 . The injured teen was seen stumbling inside the bodega before exiting and making a run for the hospital. junior guzman Video Full story - Justice for Lesandro Junior Guzman Mr. Alvarez, Mr. Reyes and a third man went into the store and asked the owner and workers to let them take Lesandro. Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. All rights reserved, Long Island Driver Wanted for Running From Deadly 7-Car Pileup, Upper East Side Deli Killer Clad in Hazmat Suit Likely Serial Robber: Sources, never-before-seen footage of the savage machete attack, self-proclaimed gang member who testified against the other five alleged Trinitarios members, The defense also tried to discredit Guzman-Feliz, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Flight Attendant Hit the Ceiling': 7 Hospitalized After Severe Turbulence Diverts Flight to Virginia, Fight for NY Casino License Heats Up as Developers Drop Coney Island Boardwalk First Look, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, After a weeks-long emotional trial with chilling revelations and graphic photos, the jury reached a verdict in the 'Junior' Guzman trial, All five defendants were found guilty of murder in first and second degree, as well as conspiracy and gang assault charges, One of the defendants was heard saying 'Trinitarios 'till the day I die' as he left the courtroom following the guilty verdicts. We've received your submission. Juniors parents, Leandra Feliz and Lisandro Guzman, were not present in the courtroom during the medical examiners testimony. Todays verdict fortifies the Bronx communitys stand against violence.. Following that, no amount of logic, analysis, or pleas for reason could convince jurors to set aside their emotions. Photos of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz - Find a Junior stumbles back into the bodega, leaving a trail of blood on the floor. Stuck Drafting A Tough Brief? But what the autopsy report meticulously documented was that Junior suffered minor physical injury, superficial wounds, no bigger than a lentil, except for a large wound to his neck. She said it cut the bone that protects the spinal cord and left an exit wound on the other side of his neck. Reyes said the order implied: If you have a gun, shoot it, if you a have a knife, you stab, if you have a machete, you use it.. Amazingly, a customer is seen purchasing an item over Juniors blood. A bottle of hate had been uncorked and there was no way to close it. You can follow her on Twitter:@tonitamess. Guzman-Feliz had been part of the NYPD's Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. Junior then comes back to the store bloodied. Forsyth County prosecutors rested their case Tuesday morning. The desperate teenager tried to hide inside of a bodega, but the gang members dragged him from the store and stabbed him to death as security cameras recorded the gruesome scene. Find Lesandro stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Kevin Alvarez, third from left, and Elvin Garcia, both members of the Trinitarios gang, appearing before a judge in 2018. Why do so many buy into a life that restricts their freedom, imposes beatings for disobeying gang rules, and calls for violence to others? Yes, he put the knife through his neck. Junior then walks out of the bodega. Its alleged that defendant Jonaiki Martinez Estrella plunged the knife into Juniors neck near the end of the 20-second attack. Junior would go on to die outside of St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. 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.. What is the derivation of this distorted quest for manhood and meaning? 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. Also consider other hobbies. It made the tragedy of his killing that much worse and convictions that much more guaranteed. The only injury that caused Juniors death was clearly the neck wound. Then, Elvin Garcia, who police say is seen here wearing a mask. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced the cause of death for slain teen Lesandro Guzman-Feliz. He was depicted in murals and online with a halo and angel wings. Just 20 minutes later, Junior is pronounced dead as a result of a stab wound to the neck. I dont want to see it again. They also argued their clients were pretending to stab Lesandro because gang leaders were watching the assault. Criminal defense attorney Chris Carrion has been observing the trial from the start. When the attackers walk in, the worker points out where Junior is hiding, and he gets dragged outof the store. 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. Community member Elizabeth De Jesus likened the photo to a horror movie. 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. Meanwhile, the defense argued that testimony supports that the suspects didnt mean to kill Guzman-Feliz. Guzman-Felizs memory has also been honored through the renaming of a street and a summer camp at a state park, as well as prompting the Safe Haven Bodega program in the city. They probablywon't forget itfor the rest of their lives.. 38 Juveniles Killed in Gun Violence in Chicago So Far This Year: Police Mr. Suero had warned his members to carry a weapon at all times and said if they saw a rival member to do whatever possible to hurt the Sunset member, Mr. Alvarez said. Manuel enjoyed the Trinitarios parties, the hookah, the beads, the hand signs, the comradery, and fact that they had his back. A dozen alleged gang members were indicted July 18, with five charged with first degree murder, which includes torture, for the June 20 death of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz and could face life in prison without parole. It appeared from a video of the crime (caught from multiple angles) that each attacked him viciously. Heres a list of where to volunteer in NYC: Lex Lumpkin talks about new show The Watchful Eye, Debunking food safety myths with a chefs help, Fun, easy Holi-inspired crafts to try with kids, Spot warning signs of teens declining mental health, Simple spring break cocktails to make at home, Patrick Kane to make Rangers debut against Senators, Rangers KAndre Miller suspended 3 games for spitting, Kane incoming? Lesandro, who had hidden behind the counter, pleaded with the men, saying he was not the person they were looking for. The blood-soaked clothes worn by slain Bronx teen Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz as he was hacked at by a machete-wielding mob were displayed to jurors at the boys murder trial Thursday, prompting several spectators to burst into tears and his anguished father to exit the courtroom. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! Fellow defendant Jose Muniz was heard saying "Trinitarios to the day I die" as he left the courtroom following the guilty verdicts. Only by addressing these issues might other young men like Junior not be killed, and still others like four of the five defendants in this case, not be condemned to life in prison for the actions of a few seconds done by a fellow gang member which they never intended. 'Borderline gruesome' autopsy photos among the last pieces of evidence Go after Sunset, you know what you have to do, Suero reportedly told the men. Closing arguments proved to be just as emotional, as some jury members shed tears. The men, traveling in four cars, spotted Lesandro, and one of them shouted a Trinitarios greeting at him: Sunset, Popo, then 1090, which was a password Los Sures used to identify Sunset members, Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes said. WPIX reported that theyre charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, gang assault, and conspiracy. Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. All of the men charged have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they face life in prison. If you have a machete, use the machete.. We dont know. All rights reserved, Long Island Driver Wanted for Running From Deadly 7-Car Pileup, Upper East Side Deli Killer Clad in Hazmat Suit Likely Serial Robber: Sources, A dozen alleged gang members were indicted July 18, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Flight Attendant Hit the Ceiling': 7 Hospitalized After Severe Turbulence Diverts Flight to Virginia, Fight for NY Casino License Heats Up as Developers Drop Coney Island Boardwalk First Look, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced the cause of death for slain teen Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, The OCME said Wednesday the Bronx teens June 20 death was a stab wound to the neck and classified the death as a homicide, Alleged gang members have been indicted on murder, manslaughter, conspiracy and other charges. Alvarez, who testified last week as a cooperating witness, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in a deal with Bronx prosecutors and is expected to serve no prison time. At 10:05 p.m., security footage shows Junior leaving home to meet his friend Jason Velez at this corner. ", If you have a gun, you shoot, he testified. 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. The incident revealed the barbaric tactics of a gang called the Trinitarios, and it laid bare a glaring paradox: Amid historically low crime rates in New York, police are still struggling to contain brutal violence in some neighborhoods. At least eight other men are on the lookout some, armed with knives. Juniors friend, a Trinitario, had been attacked by a rival faction and allegedly turned to Junior for help. Prosecutors showed jurors an autopsy photo showing the lethal wound to the neck of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. 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. 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. 'Justice for Junior': Slain teen memorialized by murals - AmNewYork Just two days before Junior was killed, a 14-year-old was seriously injured in this attack. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Guzman-Feliz for a rival when they stabbed him to death, Last defendant convicted in 2018 killing of Bronx teen Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz, 5 gang members plead guilty to killing of Bronx teen, 16 members of violent Trinitarios gang charged with high-end NYC robberies in sweeping indictment, Two gang leaders convicted in murder of Junior Guzman-Feliz, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members, Juniors mom at one point screaming and sobbing in court. During the cops testimony, a white t-shirt completely saturated in the boys blood as well as blood-soaked boxers, a sock, and a blue zip-up sweatshirt designed with stars and stripes were shown to jurors. : Reach out just to catch up. Members of the NYPD Junior league attend Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's funeral cerenomy at Our . But he acted with intent to harm. Manuel Rivera is accused of repeatedly stabbing Junior. During Tuesdays closing arguments, Bronx assistant district attorney Morgan Dolan told the jury how Lesandro Guzman-Feliz valiantly avoided multiple attempted stabbings by a mob of men who had dragged him out of a bodega on June 20. Surveillance video shows Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz being dragged from the Cruz and Chiky grocery store in the Bronx on June 20, 2018. This 15-year-old boy, in the moments before his death, fought and fought like hell, Dolan said, according to the New York Daily News. Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know Meanwhile a number of Bronx businesses are learning to be 'safe havens' for people in danger after a bodega owner was criticized for not doing enough 'Junior', who was killed outside his store. The dad struggled to make a living and Manuel struggled in school. 270p. Surveillance video shows Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz being dragged out and then hacked to death by five men with machetes on June 20, 2018, in the Bronx. Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz, 15, was slashed in the neck with a machete at a bodega in the Bronx on June 19, 2018. There were gasps from the courtroom as Assistant District Attorney Morgan Dolan presented the graphic photos of Juniors wounds during the testimony of the prosecutions final witness. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. The federal judiciary is getting more diverse. JOLIET, Ill. (AP) A Chicago-area toddler was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after finding an unsecured gun and shooting himself in the head, police said. Heres How To Get Yours Right. The murder of 15-year-old Guzman-Feliz, who was known as Junior, has captivated the community and public interest, partly because the brutal June 20 attack was caught on surveillance video where the teen is seen being dragged outside the bodega and attacked by a gang of five men who stabbed him with knives and hacked him with a machete as he struggled to defend himself. 2023 Breaking Media, Inc. All rights reserved. But Mr. Alvarez testified that Lesandro clearly told the gang he wasnt Sunset. Police officials also have said Lesandro did not belong to a gang. On the night of Juniors murder, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members when they spotted the 15-year-old walking. At 11:35, a security camera films four cars driving slowly past the stoop where Juniors friend and some others were sitting. Henry said Junior had a large open wound on the right side of his neck when she saw his body in the morgue. 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. It is unclear what the jury decided on. His understanding, as was everyones, was that the group was ordered to physically harm (not kill) any Sunset they found. He makes it to the entrance of the hospital before collapsing. 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz 'fought like hell' as machete-wielding gang Select from premium Lesandro of the highest quality. She has not been back to court since. Five more gang members pleaded guilty in the brutal machete stabbing death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz inside a Bronx bodega in 2018. Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, who went by the nickname Junior, was a member of the Police Departments Law Enforcement Explorers program before he was killed last year. News and analysis from this company could be a game-changer for legal professionals working globally. Diego Suero leaving the 48th Precinct in the Bronx. Mr. Reyes said the conflict started when two Sunset members joined the Bad Boys, angering a Sunset member who had gone to prison for a crime the two members had committed. At Least Your Colleague Spat Wasnt This Bad: Some things we just dont share with the class. The defense team asked Dr. Rodriguez if any of these additional wounds contributed to the teens death. They pursued him in cars, mistaking the aspiring NYPD detective for a gangbanger because he supposedly resembled a known one. . They also face manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and weapons charges. Dr. Rodriguez said its possible if pressure was applied to the wound and Junior was brought to the hospital earlier, he could have survived. After that, they will lead off summations. "A bright, beloved, athletic, soon-to . Lesandro had bruising, scratches and small puncture wounds on his body, according to autopsy photos. New surveillance footage shows the moments before and after LesandroJunior Guzman-Feliz was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. Junior's parents were not in court, having been warned the images would be shown. Guzman-Feliz had been part of the NYPD's Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. The blood-soaked clothes worn by slain Bronx teen Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz as he was hacked at by a machete-wielding mob were displayed to jurors at the boy's murder trial Thursday,. GRAPHIC: Gruesome bodega murder of Junior Guzman caught on camera The murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, known as Junior, drew outrage across New York City. According to . [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]. Its horrific, defense attorney Kyle Watters said of his client, Estrella. But the owner appears to direct him away. As Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a press conference following the verdict, Junior came to symbolize all of the young people who have lost their lives to brutal gang violence. Nothing can. They gathered outside of Mr. Sueros apartment building on Boston Road, where they smoked hookah and played music. Passersby try to help. 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. Do not sell my information. The jury of 11 women and a man took only two days to decide the fates of the defendants Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, 25, Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago, 25, Jose Muniz, 23, Manuel Rivera, 19, and Elvin Garcia, 25. (Jefferson Siegel/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS). 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. The night of the murder, my client, Manuel Rivera, wasnt carrying a machete; he wasnt a monster and he never intended to kill Junior. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps,. Both times the worker refuses to help the young teen. Erica Byfield reports. stop killing our brothersThe full story about 15-year old teen junior stabbed to death Justice for. Medical Examiner Reveals Findings in Machete Death of 15-Year-Old NYC Prosecutors previously said the teen succumbed to a neck wound caused by a 4-and-a-half inch knife that severed his jugular vein. In recent months, turf wars have spiked among rival Trinitario factions. But some of his friends were, and he had been hanging out with them at Adams Place recently. THE BRONX He knew they had killed the wrong guy. However, all 12 alleged gang members were indicted on second degree murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. ), It was shared millions of times on social media and in the general press. That wound was inflicted by one defendant alone, Mr. Estrella. His history was whitewashed. JOLIET, Ill. - A toddler accidentally shot himself in the head after he found an unsecured gun in a Joliet home Tuesday afternoon, according to police. The murder of 15-year-old Guzman-Feliz, who was known as Junior, has captivated the community and public interest, partly because the brutal June 20 attack was caught on surveillance video. I Represented A Monster -- Except He Really Wasn't - Above the Law What could be put in place in their neighborhoods to substitute the pull of the gang? Junior and the bodega owner appear to have an exchange with Kevin Alvarez before Junior is grabbed and beaten on the ground. A Trinitarios ringleader, Diego Suero, issued the order to his minions, who then mistook Guzman-Feliz for a rival when they stabbed him to death outside a bodega June 20, 2018, cooperating witness and gang member Michael Sosa Reyes, 20, told Bronx Supreme Court jurors. 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. Instead, he said, he watched as other Trinitarios members dragged Junior outside and hacked him to death with machetes and knives. Our investigation retraces Juniors last steps and uncovers new details that may answer why he was targeted. How do you protect your children from predators? They attempted to cast blame on Mr. Martinez Estrella for Lesandros death. In a panic, he tries to hide behind the counter. Is Your Firm Keeping Pace With The Advancements In eDiscovery? One made a gesture as if he were going to hit Lesandro and the teenager ran, the witnesses said. Rangers trade Kravtsov, waive Leschyshyn, Giants, Jets fans among most passionate in NFL: report, Mets Cohen cautions spending doesnt mean title, Moose on the Loose: Beltran joins Mets front office, Working to improve health care for all New Yorkers, Refresh your February with some finds from Josh McBride, New Cornell University research reveals pistachios, Patrn Perfect Pineapple Margarita plus a chance, Supercharged Entertainment Edison NJ is the place, Beauty and fashion time saver tips that can be done, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Activist killed in police-involved shooting, Rep. George Santos introduced his first bill in Congress, Program provides hearing screenings for immigrant, Vegan doughnut shop shaking things up in Brooklyn, Nonprofit bakery looks for permanent home, How to kill spotted lanternflies before they hatch, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Zombie drug tranq was in Puerto Rico 10 years ago, Behold, The Coney: First look at proposed BK casino, BK fast-food joint robbed via drive-thru window:, Gunman in hazmat suit shot, killed NYC deli worker:, BK train rider hit by man told not to touch her:, Calls for healthcare covereage of undocumented NYers, How to report no heat in NYC: Resources for tenants, Rising rent in NYC: Heres what tenants need to know, Suicide prevention and mental health resources, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "See what happens with those killers," said Leandra Feliz. This story has been shared 137,355 times. Oiwaka said Juniors clothes had to be repackaged the day after they were vouchered into evidence as the blood was soaking through the paper bags they had been stored in.
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