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. Five more gang members pleaded guilty in the brutal machete stabbing death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz inside a Bronx bodega in 2018. The indicted are due back in court Oct. 25. He was then stabbed and hacked to death with machetes by several attackers after being mistakenly identified. (Obtained by NY Daily News). Now that the prosecution had rested its case, the defense can begin to question witnesses next week, and once that process is done, closing arguments will begin. Junior suffered multiple wounds to his face, back, chest, legs and hands. This story has been shared 137,355 times. 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. Hundreds attended his funeral last summer. They carried weapons for two reasons for their own protection and to use them to hurt (not kill) a Sunset. The cars briefly stop at this intersection, and then turn left in the direction of Juniors path. If they did not participate, the lawyers said, they would have been disciplined. A post shared by Robert Williams (@areumdawo_saja) on Jun 25, 2018 at 11:00pm PDT. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole on the murder conviction. 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. Guzman-Feliz had been part of the NYPD's Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. Mr. Alvarez testified that Lesandro was not in the photos. Two of the clips. And on the night before Juniors murder, he had witnessed another stabbing at Adams Place. Only someone in the gang would know the response. Closing arguments proved to be just as emotional, as some jury members shed tears. Surveillance cameras reportedly caught a group of men dragging Guzman-Feliz outside a Bronx bodega before attacking him. Then, Elvin Garcia, who police say is seen here wearing a mask. How Junior was killed follows a pattern of attacks by Trinitarios, a Dominican gang that was born in New York prisons. Antonio Santiago is seen here from this other angle. Dr. Rodriguez said its possible if pressure was applied to the wound and Junior was brought to the hospital earlier, he could have survived. 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. 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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. We dont know. Closing arguments continue in the murder trial of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. Whether Junior was a gang member or not, didnt justify his death. 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. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 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. All of the men charged have pleaded not guilty. He only said that one word -- "water," she testified. Junior gestures for someone to call 911. Understanding Big Law: A Must-Read Guide To One Of The Most Challenging Workplaces In The World Is Now Available. It appeared from a video of the crime (caught from multiple angles) that each attacked him viciously. 2023 Breaking Media, Inc. All rights reserved. At least 10 other people have been maimed this summer in tit-for-tat attacks in the Bronx. But some of the most powerful evidence came from two gang members involved in the attack who testified for the prosecution in return for lenient sentences: Kevin Alvarez, 20, and Michael Reyes, 20. Just after the stabbing death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz last June 20, members of the Trinitarios were examining a photo of gang . But at the end, it has a happy ending," said Manny Ortiz. Five gangbangers are on trial for the murder of the 15-year-old in the tragic case of mistaken identity. Five men approached, including Manuel, weapons in hand. Hes at home with his mother. Prosecutors rested their case today in the Junior murder trial, but not without a graphic and powerful finish. Members of the Police Departments Law Enforcement Explorers program attending a memorial for Lesandro last year. 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. At Least Your Colleague Spat Wasnt This Bad: Some things we just dont share with the class. At least 10 people had been injured in June in a series of street battles. But Reyes told the court that he couldnt follow through with Sueros order after looking Junior in the face. In total, more than a dozen suspects have been arrested in connection to the killing. New Yorkers flooded investigators with tips. Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes described how their subsets of the Trinitarios terrorized rivals, including a Trinitarios splinter group called Sunset. On the night of Juniors murder, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members when they spotted the 15-year-old walking. It also made his story easier to use as a rallying cry to target gangs that attract and control vulnerable teens like Manuel. 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. Why do so many buy into a life that restricts their freedom, imposes beatings for disobeying gang rules, and calls for violence to others? There are nine others charged in Guzman's murder that are still awaiting trial. The medical examiner testified the wounds on his back and legs were consistent with being dragged. In the video, we see the 15 . Erica Byfield reports. According to . The convicted killers will be sentenced Tuesday, July 16. They said their subsets, called Los Sures and Bad Boys, abided by a strict code of conduct. At 11:35, a security camera films four cars driving slowly past the stoop where Juniors friend and some others were sitting. A warning: These next scenes are hard to watch, and weve obscured some graphic parts. 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. Forsyth County prosecutors rested their case Tuesday morning. 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. 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 family of Junior had mixed emotions after the verdicts were announced, but Guzman's brother said ultimately, "justice was served. Henry said Junior had a large open wound on the right side of his neck when she saw his body in the morgue. The trial, now in its fourth week, has been checkered with drama, with Juniors mom at one point screaming and sobbing in court in response to grisly CCTV footage shown of her sons murder. The men punched and kicked Lesandro before dragging him out. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! But I understand why the People adopted the Junior-as-saint story. At around 11:30, Junior leaves, and two minutes later security cameras catch him on this corner passing near his home. In the beginning of the video, the teen is seen trying to hide behind the counter. Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. When Junior ran, the group gave chase. He was depicted in murals and online with a halo and angel wings. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. At the moment I saw his face, my eyes changed. Anyone can read what you share. "I saw a smile on my mothers face really, really excited.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The store has not opened since last Wednesday when the incident took place. Police had seized the footage that night and it got leaked. The second day of trial in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was emotional and filled with graphic video and photos. The defense also tried to discredit Guzman-Feliz alleging he was in a gang photo a notion a detective who took the stand denied. What could be put in place in their neighborhoods to substitute the pull of the gang? Privacy Center | Dr. Rodriguez also said it was possible Junior may have survived if brought to the hospital sooner. 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After the attack, the gang returned to Mr. Sueros home on Boston Road, Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Reyes said. Registration or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. That night, Lesandro had left his home on Bathgate Avenue to lend a friend $5, his mother had said during an interview last year. 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. They also face manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and weapons charges. I dont want to see it again. Nothing can. 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. Its Wednesday, June 20. We obtained footage from multiple security cameras and cellphones. Seeing his sons clothing proved too much to bear for Juniors father, Lesandro Guzman, who left the courtroom shortly after Oikawas testimony. Putting four young men in jail for life for a murder they didnt intend (each was either running away, or nowhere near Junior when Estrella inflicted the fatal wound) should thrill no one. Some Work Things Are Optional. 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. Surveillance video shows Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz being dragged from the Cruz and Chiky grocery store in the Bronx on June 20, 2018. If you have a knife, you stab. Five other people have been arrested and accused of involvement in the crime. The defense will have a chance Monday to call witnesses to the stand if they chose. Once that video was out, it took on a life of its own causing the defendants to lose the presumption of innocence and any chance for a fair trial (at least that close in time to the event itself under one year. The injured teen was seen stumbling inside the bodega before exiting and making a run for the hospital. The dad struggled to make a living and Manuel struggled in school. Diego Suero leaving the 48th Precinct in the Bronx. She used her summation to show the jury the boys final moments repeatedly, slowing it down to show each defendants actions. Since the violent attack, the communitys outpouring of love and support has been seen in a mural. Lets continue to examine why so many youths, particularly from inner cities, are attracted to the brutality of gangs. Frederick Then was arrested in 2018 in connection with Lesandros death. On June 20, members of both Bronx sets had spent much of the day hunting for their enemies, Mr. Alvarez 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. Their trial provided a glimpse inside the violent Trinitarios gang, whose members mistook 15-year-old Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz for a rival. 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. 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[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. Dixon's closing arguments also included the presentation of autopsy photos showing the wound to Guzman-Feliz's neck which reportedly killed him. That wound was inflicted by one defendant alone, Mr. Estrella. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps,. 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. Add AI Research And Catching Up With Your Law School Buds To The Career Growth List -- See Also, Reach out just to catch up. Eight others are awaiting trial. "If they continue the violence in the city, theyre going to get the same thing. What Better Place To Network Than The Facebook Friends List? 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. At least eight other men are on the lookout some, armed with knives. Friends and family told us that Junior wasnt in a gang and the police have no such indication, either. We want to know your views on law firm policies and culture. WNBC reported that the grisly images brought some of the jurors to tears. The teen reportedly bled to death steps from the emergency room. READ: #JusticeForJunior: A Group of Men Fatally Stabbed Bronx Teen With Machete. Members of the NYPD Junior league attend Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's funeral cerenomy at Our . Go after Sunset, you know what you have to do, Suero reportedly told the men. 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. A street was named after Junior, a scholarship fund, a summer camp. It made the tragedy of his killing that much worse and convictions that much more guaranteed. Its horrific, defense attorney Kyle Watters said of his client, Estrella. One made a gesture as if he were going to hit Lesandro and the teenager ran, the witnesses said. 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. 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.". 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. According to police, the drivers spot Junior and taunt him. 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. The cars then split up and appear to surround him. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Junior and the bodega owner appear to have an exchange with Kevin Alvarez before Junior is grabbed and beaten on the ground. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. It was a lawyers argument (as the judges law clerk put it) intellectual, nitpicky not visceral. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. 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. Prosecutors introduced three clips of video. Our investigation retraces Juniors last steps and uncovers new details that may answer why he was targeted. A bottle of hate had been uncorked and there was no way to close it. Mr. Alvarez testified for the prosecution in return for a lenient sentence.
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