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. What Do Millennials Think Of Law Firm Life? The defense team asked Dr. Rodriguez if any of these additional wounds contributed to the teens death. In a panic, he tries to hide behind the counter. On the night of Juniors murder, Trinitarios were driving around looking for Sunset members when they spotted the 15-year-old walking. Dixons closing arguments also included the presentation of autopsy photos showing the wound to Guzman-Felizs neck which reportedly killed him. They are under investigation for failing to help. Amazingly, a customer is seen purchasing an item over Juniors blood. Last Friday, five men were convicted of murder in the first degree for the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz in June 2018. Officers were called to a . 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. Stuck Drafting A Tough Brief? Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here. Frederick Then was arrested in 2018 in connection with Lesandros death. Several of the gang members got out of the cars and surrounded Lesandro, asking him questions. The indicted are due back in court Oct. 25. Passersby try to help. The convicted killers will be sentenced Tuesday, July 16. Prosecutors introduced three clips of video. 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. At the moment I saw his face, my eyes changed. But Reyes told the court that he couldnt follow through with Sueros order after looking Junior in the face. Juniors parents were not in court, having been warned the images would be shown. ", If you have a gun, you shoot, he testified. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Mr. Alvarez, Mr. Reyes and a third man went into the store and asked the owner and workers to let them take Lesandro. was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. 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. A jury began deliberating Thursday on the five mens fates. 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. Instead of turning to police, he turned to the Trinitarios, who like him, shared a Dominican heritage. But he acted with intent to harm. 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. 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. Just two days before Junior was killed, a 14-year-old was seriously injured in this attack. 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. Our investigation retraces his last steps and reveals how a recent wave of violence took his life just two blocks from home. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said each of the . 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. When The Founder Of SCOTUSblog Calles It Quits, You Know Something Is UP: 5 is a tough crowd, 6 is a waste of time. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. I didnt see the person who had just finished getting stabbed there, Mr. Alvarez said, choking back tears. Police have identified them as: Danel Fernandez, Kevin Alvarez, and Michael Sosa Reyes, who has not been charged in relation to Juniors killing. She replied that the wounds they spoke of were superficial and that the only wound that caused his death was the one to his neck. Manuel Rivera is accused of repeatedly stabbing Junior. 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. Guzman-Feliz had been part of the NYPD's Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. Todays verdict fortifies the Bronx communitys stand against violence.. They said their subsets, called Los Sures and Bad Boys, abided by a strict code of conduct. Heres how Lexis Search Advantage | Transactional unites internal and external research to create better deals faster. Junior rushes into this bodega just one block from his home. Closing arguments proved to be just as emotional, as some jury members shed tears. At around 11:30, Junior leaves, and two minutes later security cameras catch him on this corner passing near his home. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps, MACHETE MONSTERS GUILTY.. Junior and the bodega owner appear to have an exchange with Kevin Alvarez before Junior is grabbed and beaten on the ground. The 15-year-old had already been pronounced dead inside the hospital, Officer Oikawa would later learn. However, four defense attorneys contested this notion, describing during opening statements that most of Guzman-Feliz's wounds as superficial and said it was the one cut to the throat that killed him. Hes making more money from Hogwarts: Legacy than her anyway. They attempted to cast blame on Mr. Martinez Estrella for Lesandros death. She has not been back to court since. He was walking toward Adams Place, a small street about five minutes away thats known for gang activity. 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. (Jefferson Siegel/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS). At least 10 other people have been maimed this summer in tit-for-tat attacks in the Bronx. 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. Five other people have been arrested and accused of involvement in the crime. 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. What could be put in place in their neighborhoods to substitute the pull of the gang? Knitting, perhaps? The federal judiciary is getting more diverse. 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. 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. Had Junior not been stabbed in the neck during the last seconds of the attack, he would have likely walked home barely injured except for abrasions to his body caused by being dragged out of the store and punched. All five defendants were found guilty of murder in first and second degree, as well as conspiracy and gang assault charges. Select from premium Lesandro of the highest quality. The New York Post ran a front-page headline in bold caps,. "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. Members of the NYPD Junior league attend Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's funeral cerenomy at Our . Junior's mother said that Friday's verdict will sends a message to all those who would do something similar to what happened to her son. If you have a knife, you stab. Lets continue to examine why so many youths, particularly from inner cities, are attracted to the brutality of gangs. Police had seized the footage that night and it got leaked. The night before Lesandro was killed, a large fight had erupted between the gangs, he said. According to police, the drivers spot Junior and taunt him. According to . 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. But the glee I saw in the eyes of spectators at the reading of straight convictions for Murder I was not founded. The teen reportedly bled to death steps from the emergency room. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]. Kevin Alvarez, who pleaded guilty a weeks ago, took the stand to testify on behalf of the prosecution. Junior then comes back to the store bloodied. Because he resisted their efforts to stab him does not diminish their intent.. The medical examiner testified the wounds on his back and legs were consistent with being dragged. News and analysis from this company could be a game-changer for legal professionals working globally. 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. 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.". The medical examiner testified she was a lumper a doctor who looks to combine injuries and conclude that they all might have contributed to death. 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. People visit murder site to mourn the death of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz in Bronx in New York, United States on June 27, 2018. . The teen reportedly bled to death steps from the emergency room. 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. A bottle of hate had been uncorked and there was no way to close it. Fellow defendant Jose Muniz was heard saying "Trinitarios to the day I die" as he left the courtroom following the guilty verdicts. 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. 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. New surveillance footage shows the moments before and after LesandroJunior Guzman-Feliz was brutally jumped and stabbed to death. The second day of trial in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was emotional and filled with graphic video and photos. The New York City Police Foundation announced it planned to set up a scholarship in his name. Junior then walks out of the bodega. But Morgan Dolan, the lead prosecutor, countered that weapons like knives and machetes kill and the gang members went in knowing that.. After Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Fernandez pulled the boy outside, the others attacked. Hes been charged with these crimes. Five more gang members pleaded guilty in the brutal machete stabbing death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz inside a Bronx bodega in 2018. MORE: Justice for Junior Special: More than a Murder Subscribe and get breaking news, commentary, and opinions on law firms, lawyers, law schools, lawsuits, judges, and more. Do not sell my information. The 2-year-old boy was shot around 12:16 p.m . The panel found all five guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy and second-degree gang assault. Photo Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon 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. All 14 suspects are reportedly members of the Sures set of the Trinitarios gang. "Today's verdicts will not bring Junior back. Video: EXCLUSIVE: Race faker Jessica Krug hailed Bronx bodega murder of 15-year-old Junior Guzman a 'revolutionary moment' because 'he wanted to be a cop' and mistakenly claimed he was . Juniors friend, a Trinitario, had been attacked by a rival faction and allegedly turned to Junior for help. The jury, comprised of 11 women and one man, reached the verdict Friday after going into deliberations Thursday. 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. Mourners gather for funeral of 17-year-old Thai cave survivour, Donald Trump says "I am your retribution' at CPAC 2023, Sam Neil marches on the Harbour Bridge for World Pride, Aftermath of tanker explosion in Maryland seen in drone footage, Protests continue in Thessaloniki in aftermath of Greek train crash, Mother of baby Lucky reveals he is back home with his family, Driver dead after overturned tanker truck explodes in Maryland, Drag queens host drag brunch in Nashville, Tennessee, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade at Independent Spirit Awards, Haley Lu Richardson glows at the 38th Independent Spirit Awards, Jamie Lee Curtis in flashy suit at Independent Spirit Awards, Regina Hall shines attending the 38th Independent Spirit Awards, Mia Goth dazzles in black at the 38th Independent Spirit Awards, Aubrey Plaza bold in a black suit at Independent Spirit Awards, Cate Blanchett arrives at the 38th Independent Spirit Awards, Harry Styles bows down to Daryl Braithwaite as he joins him on stage, Zach Mercer previews England vs France in the Six Nations, Rameka Poihipi scores 'quickest try of all-time', Arteta calls Arsenal's comeback victory a 'beautiful experience', Javi Garcia 'frustrated and disappointed' with loss to Chelsea, Graham Potter 'pleased' with side's performance in 1-0 win over Leeds, Bournemouth looks ahead for Liverpool game after Arsenal defeat, Cristian Stellini speaks on how Tottenham lost the game, Man City 2-0 Newcastle: Pep Guardiola praises Newcastle and Phil Foden, Max Verstappen and model girlfriend Kelly Piquet dance together, Harry Styles helps a young fan come out at his Sydney concert, Young woman with 'invisible illness' has ice cream thrown at car, Cast of The Crown seen filming scenes for the Golden Wedding, Moment fellow diner serenades Pippa Middleton in London restaurant, Mike Tindall in fun behind-the-scenes clip shoot for podcast tour, Dragon's Den: Entrepreneurs reveal they raised 125k from family, 'Super fit' 74-year-old Liverpool woman flaunts her toned figure, Hear the difference: Netflix introduces premium spacial audio feature, New crew celebrates as they arrive at International Space Station, First look into mysterious 30ft-long corridor in the Great Pyramid, Earth's geological past: A Model reveals Earth's surface change, SpaceX Dragon crew blast off for trip to International Space Station, Musk reveals renewable energy 'Master Plan 3' at Tesla Investor Day, Breakup of the asteroid Dimorphos after being hit by NASA spacecraft, Scientists think mythical 'hafgufa' was a Bryde's whale feeding, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Rebel Wilson shows off diamond ring after PROPOSING to her GF, Jennifer Aniston opens up about her relationship with sleep, Drag Queen Copper Topp Queen performs at Honor Oak pub in Lewisham, Hailey Bieber beams with excitement for a Saint Laurent shoot, Men in hoodies recite Hail Marys walking through Newtown, Miley Cyrus shares a teaser for new Backyard Sessions special, Nicola Peltz-Beckham shares funny video of herself dancing with husband, NBA Star Ja Morant holds gun up to his head while at a strip club, Woman who broke her back after gym accident learns to walk again, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Dacia's new Jogger estate transforms interior space into a bedroom, Buster Murdaugh 'in shock' finding out about Paul and Maggie's death, 'People are getting sick to death of Harry' says author Tom Bower, Met Office: It will be chilly in the northeasterly wind across England, TV commercials from childhood that still haunt viewers to this day, Rebel Wilson reveals she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days, California moves closer to paying reparations to black people, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles, Mother of boy who dropped Quran says he has received death threats, Brave Ukrainian soldier tries to fight off Russian fire, Ukrainian city of Bakhmut 'practically encircled', says Wagner Chief, Sam Smith dances in a skirt to promote new single, British man arrested in Colombia with 23 kilos of cocaine in suitcase, Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Video: EXCLUSIVE: Race faker Jessica Krug hailed Bronx bodega murder of 15-year-old Junior Guzman a 'revolutionary moment' because 'he wanted to be a cop' and mistakenly claimed he was targeted because 'snitches get stitches', Do not sell or share my personal information.