By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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 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. 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. Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here. Juniors parents, Leandra Feliz and Lisandro Guzman, were not present in the courtroom during the medical examiners testimony. But I understand why the People adopted the Junior-as-saint story. (No one claims responsibility.) The worker again refuses to help. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]. The defense also tried to discredit Guzman-Feliz alleging he was in a gang photo a notion a detective who took the stand denied. 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.". They face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole on the murder conviction. Toni Messina has tried over 100 cases and has been practicing criminal law and immigration since 1990. His history was whitewashed. At around 11:30, Junior leaves, and two minutes later security cameras catch him on this corner passing near his home. "If they continue the violence in the city, theyre going to get the same thing. We dont know. Guzman-Feliz's death sparked outrage in the Bronx and beyond and spurred the allocation of $18 million toward gang prevention in the borough. 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. Its like my son was right here with me., (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. Theodore Parisienne for The New York Times. 2023 Breaking Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Lets continue to examine why so many youths, particularly from inner cities, are attracted to the brutality of gangs. The murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, known as Junior, drew outrage across New York City. 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. [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. Hes been charged with these crimes. Understanding Big Law: A Must-Read Guide To One Of The Most Challenging Workplaces In The World Is Now Available. At about 10:30 p.m., the second-in-command of Los Sures, Frederick Then, 20, also known as Colita, told the men they were headed to the Little Italy section of the Bronx to search for their rivals. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps,. Its Wednesday, June 20. Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz case: Five guilty of murder in mistaken Prosecutors previously said the teen succumbed to a neck wound caused by a 4-and-a-half inch knife that severed his jugular vein. Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, who went by the nickname Junior, was a member of the Police Department's Law Enforcement Explorers program before he was killed last year. The 15-year-old had already been pronounced dead inside the hospital, Officer Oikawa would later learn. Juniors parents were not in court, having been warned the images would be shown. 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. They also argued their clients were pretending to stab Lesandro because gang leaders were watching the assault. Dr. Rodriguez also said it was possible Junior may have survived if brought to the hospital sooner. Our investigation retraces his last steps and reveals how a recent wave of violence took his life just two blocks from home. Manuel Rivera came from the Dominican Republic (legally) at age 15 with his dad and two sisters. It was a lawyers argument (as the judges law clerk put it) intellectual, nitpicky not visceral. 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? 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. Mr. Reyes testified that Lesandro responded by raising his hand and saying Que lo siete, which Mr. Reyes said signaled that the teenager was a Sunset member. He was picked on and one time, beaten up so badly his ribs were broken. Crime, Criminal Defense Attorneys, Gangs, Lesandro Junior Guzman Feliz, Manuel Rivera, Murder, Toni Messina. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. According to police, the drivers spot Junior and taunt him. How do you protect your children from predators? After the attack, the gang returned to Mr. Sueros home on Boston Road, Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes said. #JusticeForJunior New Footage Shows Bodega Worker Refused to Help Dying Is Your Firm Keeping Pace With The Advancements In eDiscovery? Junior stumbles back into the bodega, leaving a trail of blood on the floor. Nine other suspects are expected to stand trial on lesser charges in connection to the boys death later his year. Of those 38, five were under the age of 10. Reyes, a member of the Bad Boys one of two Trinitarios subsets said gangbangers were gathered outside Sueros apartment, just one block from the slay-scene bodega at East 183rd Street and Bathgate Avenue, when they were instructed to hunt down members of the rival Sunset crew for recently shooting a Bad Boy member. Photos of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz - Find a Medical Examiner Reveals Findings in Machete Death of 15-Year-Old NYC Goldberg hammered the medical examiner to get his point across that his client did not cause any physical injury to Junior, because a machete would have resulted in decapitation or mutilation. Whether Junior was a gang member or not, didnt justify his death. GRAPHIC: Gruesome bodega murder of Junior Guzman caught on camera They pursued him in cars, mistaking the aspiring NYPD detective for a gangbanger because he supposedly resembled a known one. ALL 8 SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED #justiceforjunior #JUNIOR #ripjunior #JUSTICE4JUNIOR #justice #bronx. The referrals are a nice bonus too, Get to figuring your way around AI sooner rather than later, Enjoy. Mr. Alvarez testified for the prosecution in return for a lenient sentence. Students and staff from the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School gathered Friday to honor Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz, who was tragically stabbed to death in 2018. 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. Closing Aguments In 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Murder Trial The second day of trial in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was emotional and filled with graphic video and photos. He only said that one word -- "water," she testified. Junior suffered multiple wounds to his face, back, chest, legs and hands. At Least Your Colleague Spat Wasnt This Bad: Some things we just dont share with the class. The night of the murder, my client, Manuel Rivera, wasnt carrying a machete; he wasnt a monster and he never intended to kill Junior. 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.. Gang ordered 'damage' before 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz death - New York Post Then hes dragged from the bodega and brutally stabbed by a swarm of attackers. Justice for Junior Special: More than a Murder, Defense hammers key witness on role in 'Junior' death. Also consider other hobbies. Criminal defense attorney Chris Carrion has been observing the trial from the start. At 11:35, a security camera films four cars driving slowly past the stoop where Juniors friend and some others were sitting. A post shared by Robert Williams (@areumdawo_saja), Jury Finds All Five Defendants Guilty Of Murdering Bronx Teen Junior Guzman-Feliz, New Owners Of Bodega Where Junior Was Killed Want To Rename Store After Slain Teen, Bronx Street Renamed To Honor Slain Teen Junior, Bronx Bodega Where Teen Junior Was Attacked Reopens Temporarily, Legendary Jazz Saxophonist Wayne Shorter Has Died, White Student At Howard University Law School Sues for $2 Million Over Racial Discrimination, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years For Child Sex Crimes, Family of Malcolm X Files $100 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against NYPD & Others. THE BRONX He knew they had killed the wrong guy. That isgonna stick with this jury for the rest of the weekend, he says. She described, in heartbreaking detail, how Guzman-Feliz looked up at her after the attack and motioned her to call 911. Junior then comes back to the store bloodied. The injured teen was seen stumbling inside the bodega before exiting and making a run for the hospital. ), It was shared millions of times on social media and in the general press. Two of the clips. A jury began deliberating Thursday on the five mens fates. That wound was inflicted by one defendant alone, Mr. Estrella. THE BRONX As they rested their case in the Junior murder trial Friday, prosecutors turned to the medical examiner who performed the teens autopsy, offering graphic detail of the wound that killed the 15-year-old almost a year ago. On Monday, City Council members Ritchie Torres, Vanessa Gibson, and Rafael Salamanca wrote a letter to Department of Consumer Affairs asking that the bodega be shut down. 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. It made the tragedy of his killing that much worse and convictions that much more guaranteed. AP Bronx gangbangers were given the order to inflict "any kind of damage". They are under investigation for failing to help. Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz, 15, was slashed in the neck with a machete at a bodega in the Bronx on June 19, 2018. It was very painful, Guzman told reporters in Spanish. Reyes fled to the Dominican Republic on June 21 to see his mother after learning he was present in a murder but returned the following day and handed himself in to police before entering a plea deal in August. But Morgan Dolan, the lead prosecutor, countered that weapons like knives and machetes kill and the gang members went in knowing that.. Junior came to symbolize all of the young people who have lost their lives to brutal gang violence, the Bronx district attorney, Darcel D. Clark, said. He believed hed found a place to belong. 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. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! Hes at home with his mother. 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. Mr. Alvarez testified that Lesandro was not in the photos. According to . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Hes making more money from Hogwarts: Legacy than her anyway. "See what happens with those killers," said Leandra Feliz. Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know 'Justice for Junior': Slain teen memorialized by murals - AmNewYork They carried weapons for two reasons for their own protection and to use them to hurt (not kill) a Sunset. 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. Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. 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. Junior was spotted walking late at night in the Bronx neighborhood frequented by the Sunsets. They said their subsets, called Los Sures and Bad Boys, abided by a strict code of conduct. The officer 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. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Secure New Clients Using A Content Marketing Funnel, Seth Klarman Doesnt Care Whether J.K. Rowling Is Cancelled. The friend says he told Junior not to come over because it was late. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. It appeared from a video of the crime (caught from multiple angles) that each attacked him viciously. 'Stop the violence.' Slain teen Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman Feliz honored Instead, he said, he watched as other Trinitarios members dragged Junior outside and hacked him to death with machetes and knives. Junior begins to run and the cars give chase. After Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Fernandez pulled the boy outside, the others attacked. Mr. Alvarez, Mr. Reyes and a third man went into the store and asked the owner and workers to let them take Lesandro. 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. The boy was slashed in the neck and died after running to a hospital three blocks away. He was then stabbed and hacked to death with machetes by several attackers after being mistakenly identified. Junior then walks out of the bodega. Just two days before Junior was killed, a 14-year-old was seriously injured in this attack. Seeing his sons clothing proved too much to bear for Juniors father, Lesandro Guzman, who left the courtroom shortly after Oikawas testimony. Prosecution rests in Junior case after showing graphic autopsy photo That night, Lesandro had left his home on Bathgate Avenue to lend a friend $5, his mother had said during an interview last year. On June 20, members of both Bronx sets had spent much of the day hunting for their enemies, Mr. Alvarez said. If convicted, they face life in prison. We obtained footage from multiple security cameras and cellphones. Subscribe and get breaking news, commentary, and opinions on law firms, lawyers, law schools, lawsuits, judges, and more. Anyone can read what you share. Five gang members sentenced for killing a 15-year-old with a machete - CNN But its too late. 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. He was walking toward Adams Place, a small street about five minutes away thats known for gang activity. 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. How Junior was killed follows a pattern of attacks by Trinitarios, a Dominican gang that was born in New York prisons. 2-year-old Joliet boy finds unsecured gun, shoots himself in the head Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. *WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT* Lesandro "JUNIOR"Guzman Feliz STAB - YouTube Upper East Side subway station elevator stalls, trapping 1 Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, Buster Murdaugh got 'very drunk' with dad 2 months after mom, brother murdered: source, I'm a professional cleaner ditch these 4 household products immediately, How a retired detective snared his seventh 'Torso Killer' confession, It's insane that NYers can use but not buy pepper spray for self-defense: Change this now, Shoeless Ariana Madix awkwardly tries to avoid cheating Tom Sandoval, Prince Harry was scared to lose Meghan Markle after fight that led to therapy, Prince Harry says psychedelics are fundamental part of his life, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant allegedly flashes gun at a strip club, Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss planned to tell Ariana Madix about affair. It brought cries for vengeance couched in the Justice for Junior slogan. The only injury that caused Juniors death was clearly the neck wound. The 2-year-old boy was shot around 12:16 p.m . Wounds to his hands believed to be caused by a sharp object, possibly a knife, were considered to be defensive wounds where Junior put his hands up to protect his face. 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. People visit murder site to mourn the death of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz in Bronx in New York, United States on June 27, 2018. . This story has been shared 137,355 times. was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. Richard Harbus "A Bronx jury found the two leaders guilty for their role in the murder, closing another chapter of. But it was Mr. Martinez Estrella who delivered the fatal blow when he shoved a large knife into the side of Lesandros neck, penetrating 4.5 inches and cutting his jugular vein, a medical examiner testified. They gathered outside of Mr. Sueros apartment building on Boston Road, where they smoked hookah and played music. 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. However, police have said the teens murder was a case of mistaken identity. I represented one of the Machete Monsters and I liked him. 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. 5 More Gang Members Plead Guilty in Death of Teen 'Junior' Guzman in As opposed to Trump, who says presidents are free to incite at will. Prosecutors showed jurors an autopsy photo showing the lethal wound to the neck of Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz. What could be put in place in their neighborhoods to substitute the pull of the gang? Except thats not what happened. 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. The murder of Lesandro rattled the city, prompting outrage on social media and calls for justice from elected officials and celebrities, including the rapper Cardi B and the Yankees pitcher C.C. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. You can follow her on Twitter:@tonitamess. ", "It was a terrible year, it felt like 10 years. : Reach out just to catch up. Friends and family told us that Junior wasnt in a gang and the police have no such indication, either. The friend says they felt things were getting dicey and went inside. dragged him from the store and stabbed him to death. Dixons closing arguments also included the presentation of autopsy photos showing the wound to Guzman-Felizs neck which reportedly killed him. New Yorkers flooded investigators with tips. When the attackers walk in, the worker points out where Junior is hiding, and he gets dragged outof the store. The New York City Police Foundation announced it planned to set up a scholarship in his name.
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