This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 11, 2019, five members of the Trinitarios gang were sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of 15-year-old Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, also known as Junior.
The gruesome murder took place on June 20, 2018, in the Belmont section of the Bronx, where Lesandro was chased and hacked to death by gang members who had mistaken him for someone else.
Lesandro's parents, Leandra Feliz and his father, gave emotional speeches in court before the sentencing, describing their loss and calling for justice.
Justice Robert A. Neary of State Supreme Court handed down the sentences, calling the killing 'senseless, savage and cowardly.'
The five men sentenced to life in prison were Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, 25; Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago, 25; Jose Muniz, 23; Manuel Rivera, 19; and Elvin Garcia, 25.
Mr. Martinez was sentenced to life without parole, while Mr. Muniz, Mr. Garcia, and Mr. Rodriguez will be eligible for parole after 25 years, and Mr. Rivera after 23 years.
