All 14 suspects are reportedly members of the Sures set of the Trinitarios gang. 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 . They said their subsets, called Los Sures and Bad Boys, abided by a strict code of conduct. 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. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps, MACHETE MONSTERS GUILTY.. At 10:05 p.m., security footage shows Junior leaving home to meet his friend Jason Velez at this corner. But the glee I saw in the eyes of spectators at the reading of straight convictions for Murder I was not founded. Closing arguments continue in the murder trial of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. ", If you have a gun, you shoot, he testified. On the night of Juniors murder, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members when they spotted the 15-year-old walking. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. WNBC reported that the . Prosecutors showed jurors an autopsy photo showing the lethal wound to the neck of Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz. A dozen people appeared in court facing charges related to the death of 15-year-old Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, who was killed in the Bronx. Newly released videos show Junior's desperate final moments before In recent months, turf wars have spiked among rival Trinitario factions. 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. Prosecution rests in Junior case after showing graphic autopsy photo Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. The friend says they felt things were getting dicey and went inside. Its 11:39. 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. dragged him from the store and stabbed him to death. The knife used to deliver the lethal blow to Lesandro Junior Guzman Feliz last June 20 went clear through the teens neck, causing him to bleed to death, the medical examiner, Dr. Sophia Rodriguez, testified. Photo Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon Amazingly, a customer is seen purchasing an item over Juniors blood. Frederick Then was arrested in 2018 in connection with Lesandros death. 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. 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Slain teen Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman Feliz honored 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. 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. 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. The panel found all five guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy and second-degree gang assault. At the moment I saw his face, my eyes changed. 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.. MORE: Justice for Junior Special: More than a Murder Junior then comes back to the store bloodied. (No one claims responsibility.) Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. Both times the worker refuses to help the young teen. 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. 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. Last Friday, five men were convicted of murder in the first degree for the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz in June 2018. Brown said Janari became the 38th juvenile murdered in gun violence in Chicago in the first seven months of 2020. We dont know. New York Police Department . Warning: Details of Fridays testimony are graphic in nature and may be disturbing to some. It was very painful, Guzman told reporters in Spanish. He gave a coded gang response when asked a question by a Trinitarios gang member driving by. It led to a clearer morality tale. Junior is on summer break from school. : Enjoy. 5 More Gang Members Plead Guilty in Death of Teen 'Junior' Guzman in After Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Fernandez pulled the boy outside, the others attacked. 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. Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes described how their subsets of the Trinitarios terrorized rivals, including a Trinitarios splinter group called Sunset. It is unclear if Reyes is in witness protection or has also been released with other gangbanger-turned-witness Kevin Alvarez, 20. Their trial provided a glimpse inside the violent Trinitarios gang, whose members mistook 15-year-old Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz for a rival. The New York City Police Foundation announced it planned to set up a scholarship in his name. Subscribe and get breaking news, commentary, and opinions on law firms, lawyers, law schools, lawsuits, judges, and more. Seeing his sons clothing proved too much to bear for Juniors father, Lesandro Guzman, who left the courtroom shortly after Oikawas testimony. The cars briefly stop at this intersection, and then turn left in the direction of Juniors path. 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. Dixon's closing arguments also included the presentation of autopsy photos showing the wound to Guzman-Feliz's neck which reportedly killed him. However, all 12 alleged gang members were indicted on second degree murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Dr. Sophia Rodriguez from the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed Juniors autopsy and testified that the more than 4-inch deep wound was caused by a single-edge knife or blade. Junior's parents were not in court, having been warned the images would be shown. 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. Closing arguments proved to be just as emotional, as some jury members shed tears. Five gang members sentenced for killing a 15-year-old with a machete - CNN We're about five years off of Best Buy having a 'Legal Troubleshooting' department, aren't we? Mere days after the trial kicked off startling never-before-seen footage of the savage machete attack was presented by prosecutors. She said she watched the attack from an apartment window and ran downstairs to try to help. Junior would go on to die outside of St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. Last Friday, five men were convicted of murder in the first degree for the killing of Lesandro Junior Guzman Feliz in June 2018. Police have identified them as: Danel Fernandez, Kevin Alvarez, and Michael Sosa Reyes, who has not been charged in relation to Juniors killing. But I understand why the People adopted the Junior-as-saint story. Richard Harbus "A Bronx jury found the two leaders guilty for their role in the murder, closing another chapter of. 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. Medical Examiner Reveals Findings in Machete Death of 15-Year-Old NYC 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. They carried weapons for two reasons for their own protection and to use them to hurt (not kill) a Sunset. 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.. Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most your children. A string of shootings across Chicago Wednesday left at least 10 people shot, and, according to police, at least half of those who suffered gunshot wounds were under the age of 16. But its too late. Sabathia. Because he resisted their efforts to stab him does not diminish their intent.. Then hes dragged from the bodega and brutally stabbed by a swarm of attackers. The night of the murder, my client, Manuel Rivera, wasnt carrying a machete; he wasnt a monster and he never intended to kill Junior. Hes been charged with these crimes. It appeared from a video of the crime (caught from multiple angles) that each attacked him viciously. Surveillance video shows Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz being dragged from the Cruz and Chiky grocery store in the Bronx on June 20, 2018. Juniors parents, Leandra Feliz and Lisandro Guzman, were not present in the courtroom during the medical examiners testimony. Frederick Then is the 14th person to be arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz in the Bronx last June. If you have a knife, you stab. 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? The men punched and kicked Lesandro before dragging him out. That order came during a bloody feud within the Trinitarios that had pitted Sunset, which is based in Brooklyn, against Mr. Sueros two Bronx sets, the witnesses said. ", Junior came to symbolize all of the young people who have lost their lives to brutal gang violence, said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. Even as the evidence demonstrated that Junior was killed by only one man, Janaki Estrella-Martinez, the false narrative had taken hold and all five defendants were convicted of the highest crime in New York State murder by torture. A GRAPHIC VIEW OF HIS NECK! Mr. Sueros trial is expected to start soon. Two gang leaders convicted for 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz murder 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. If convicted, they face life in prison. They also face manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and weapons charges. He only said that one word -- "water," she testified. The boy was slashed in the neck and died after running to a hospital three blocks away. The referrals are a nice bonus too! 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. 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 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. The murder was just as horrific. Is Your Firm Keeping Pace With The Advancements In eDiscovery? He was then stabbed and hacked to death with machetes by several attackers after being mistakenly identified. New surveillance footage shows the moments before and after Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. Except thats not what happened. 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. 5 Convicted of Hacking Innocent Teenager 'Junior' Guzman to Death Closing Aguments In 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Murder Trial Get notified about exclusive offers every week! 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. Nothing can. LexisNexis Brief Analysis produces powerful, near-instant legal argumentation insights using the power of AI. She used her summation to show the jury the boys final moments repeatedly, slowing it down to show each defendants actions. Members of the NYPD Junior league attend Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's funeral cerenomy at Our . We want to know your views on law firm policies and culture. Manuel Rivera came from the Dominican Republic (legally) at age 15 with his dad and two sisters. 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. It was Mr. Suero who had sent them out on June 20, 2018, armed with machetes and knives, to search for members of Sunset to attack, the two cooperating witnesses said. Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. ), It was shared millions of times on social media and in the general press. During closing arguments, some jurors were seen crying as autopsy photos were displayed. After Junior was stabbed outside the Bronx bodega, he is seen in surveillance video clutching his neck and attempting to run to the nearby hospital, where he eventually collapsed on a sidewalk and bled to death. Cause of death released for Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Chicago-Area 2-Year-Old Critical After Shooting Self in Head Police had seized the footage that night and it got leaked. Nine other suspects are expected to stand trial on lesser charges in connection to the boys death later his year. ", "It was a terrible year, it felt like 10 years. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Knitting, perhaps? She said it cut the bone that protects the spinal cord and left an exit wound on the other side of his neck. The first verdict was announced against Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, who delivered the fatal blow with a kitchen knife that ultimately killed Guzman a year ago next week. 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. "The knife made it from the right side to left of Juniors neck, hit the muscle, hit the veinhit the tissue on the back side of the mouth," she said. Hundreds attended his funeral last summer. Kevin Alvarez, who pleaded guilty a weeks ago, took the stand to testify on behalf of the prosecution. Junior gestures for someone to call 911. Juniors mother Leandra Guzman had to be escorted from the courtroom last week when she began screaming and shaking after viewing gruesome footage of her son being attacked by a group of alleged gangbangers. A teenager hunted down and dragged from a New York City bodega, then swarmed by attackers outside. In the beginning of the video, the teen is seen trying to hide behind the counter. As opposed to Trump, who says presidents are free to incite at will. "Today's verdicts will not bring Junior back. The five men who viciously slashed a New York teenager to death with . Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was murdered outside of a Bronx deli in 2019. Is that why Junior was targeted? 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. The 15-year-old had already been pronounced dead inside the hospital, Officer Oikawa would later learn. Todays verdict fortifies the Bronx communitys stand against violence.. Kevin Alvarez, third from left, and Elvin Garcia, both members of the Trinitarios gang, appearing before a judge in 2018. The vicious murder in June of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz just blocks from his Bronx home drew outrage from across the city and beyond. He was depicted in murals and online with a halo and angel wings. His history was whitewashed. Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here. Just two days before Junior was killed, a 14-year-old was seriously injured in this attack. 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. Manuel enjoyed the Trinitarios parties, the hookah, the beads, the hand signs, the comradery, and fact that they had his back. What could be put in place in their neighborhoods to substitute the pull of the gang? Theodore Parisienne for The New York Times. This Tool Can Help. The defense team asked Dr. Rodriguez if any of these additional wounds contributed to the teens death. If you have a machete, use the machete.. READ: #JusticeForJunior: A Group of Men Fatally Stabbed Bronx Teen With Machete. A bottle of hate had been uncorked and there was no way to close it. The mural outside of the bodega where Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was attacked bears his birth and death dates: 2002 and 2018. New Videos Show 15-Year-Old Trying to Outrun Bronx Gang Before Brutal The dad struggled to make a living and Manuel struggled in school. Whether Junior was a gang member or not, didnt justify his death. Erica Byfield reports. They are under investigation for failing to help. Junior begins to run and the cars give chase. Add AI Research And Catching Up With Your Law School Buds To The Career Growth List -- See Also, Reach out just to catch up. It was a lawyers argument (as the judges law clerk put it) intellectual, nitpicky not visceral. 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