GUILTY NY - Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, 15, murdered by gang-caught on video, Bronx, 20 June 2018 *arrests*

[YESorNO]

Self-proclaimed Trinitarios gang leader accused of horrific Bronx bodega murder has agreed to be a witness and identify five suspects

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

26 March 2019

"A gang member admitted he was the 'head guy' of the Trinitarios before identifying five suspects accused of butchering Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz, 15, outside a Bronx bodega, police said.

The self-proclaimed leader, dubbed Witness C, shared the information with detectives investigating the teenager's brutal machete murder by suspected members of the Trinitarios gang on June 20, 2018, in New York.

During a pre-trial testimony on Monday at Bronx Supreme Court, homicide detective Oscar Rosa explained that Witness C had been interviewed shortly after the killing and revealed defendant Jose Muniz, was 'carrying a machete which he used against the victim'.

The witness identified all five defendants who were in court charged with first degree murder and said they had all been to his Boston Road apartment in the Bronx, before and after the teenager was killed, authorities said, according to New York Daily News.

He also said the nine other defendants charged with second degree murder were at the meeting as well...."

Self-proclaimed Trinitarios gang leader has agreed to be a witness | Daily Mail Online
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Leader of gang accused in machete-mob murder of Lesandro (Junior) Guzman-Feliz is a cooperating witness: cops

MAR 25, 2019

"...Junior’s distraught mom, Leandra Guzman-Feliz, looked on in Bronx Supreme Court as two detectives shared details about evidence gathered in the case.

But she ran out in tears after one of the defendants turned around and made a face at her.

“It’s disgusting,” said Jennifer Weisel, a family spokesperson. “The fact that one of them turns around and sticks their tongue out at her is absolutely disgraceful. He turned around and smirked and smiled at her and stuck his tongue out. She’s beyond upset. She walked out hysterically crying.”..."


Leader of gang accused in machete-mob murder of Lesandro (Junior) Guzman-Feliz is a cooperating witness: cops

 

[YESorNO]

Plea bargain talk in Junior murder case, as more damaging evidence revealed

MARCH 28, 2019

"THE BRONX — Some of the suspects charged with first-degree murder in the savage June killing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz are talking of considering plea bargains, if they can avoid life in prison.


The five men charged with Murder 1 in the vicious attack on 15-year-old Junior face the prospect of life in prison without parole, if convicted. (Mary Murphy/PIX11 News)

A plea deal, which would likely need the blessing of the slain teen’s family, would allow Junior’s parents and siblings to avoid sitting through excruciatingly graphic trial testimony.

“One of the five stabbers is talking of a deal. Maybe 20 years,” a source told PIX11 News....

An NYPD Detective testified that a man known as “Witness C” identified all of the 14 alleged participants in the planning, chase, beating and stabbing of Junior.

PIX11 News revealed Witness C was Diego Suero, the reputed leader of the Sure “set” of the Trinitarios gang...."

Plea bargain talk in Junior murder case, as more damaging evidence revealed
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"On Monday’s episode of the Mary Murphy Files, PIX11’s Mary Murphy revealed stunning information that came out during Day 1 of the pre-trial hearings"

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=643588469428647

 

[YESorNO]

Junior’s father curses suspect, as new testimony reveals what happened in car after teen’s stabbing

MARCH 28, 2019

"THE BRONX — The father of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz screamed and cursed at one of the five murder suspects in court Thursday, after hearing new testimony of what happened in a getaway car, after his 15-year-old son was fatally stabbed last June outside a Bronx bodega.

“You’re a *advertiser censored*king piece of s**t,” Jonaiki,” Lisandro Guzman yelled at Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, as the Murder 1 suspect sat at the end of the defense table. “You’re stupid.”

The grieving father had just heard testimony from a Bronx detective, who quoted a man called “Witness A” in the case....

The pre-trial hearing resumes Tuesday in the Bronx...."

Junior’s father curses suspect, as new testimony reveals what happened in car after teen’s stabbing

 

[YESorNO]

Defense lawyer suggests in court that Junior was gang member; prosecutor quickly objects (with clip)

MARCH 28, 2019

"THE BRONX — For the first time, a defense lawyer representing one of five suspects accused of fatally stabbing 15 year old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz suggested in open court the victim may have been a gang member, something the prosecutor quickly objected to.

During cross-examination of Det. Oscar Rosa of the Bronx Homicide Squad, the attorney representing suspect Jose Muniz asked about information the cop received from another murder suspect, Diego Suero....

During cross examination early Thursday afternoon, the defense lawyer said to Detective Rosa of Suero: “He also told you he knew, he was familiar with, Lesandro Guzman, the victim,” the lawyer stated to the detective.

“I believe so,” Detective Rosa replied.

“And he said he knew him as a member of the “Sunset” Trinitarios (a rival set), the lawyer continued...."

Defense lawyer suggests in court that Junior was gang member; prosecutor quickly objects
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Mary Murphy‏Verified account @MurphyPIX Mar 28
#BREAKING from ⁦@PIX11News⁩: Older Brother of #JuniorGuzman Feliz reacts to defense lawyer for suspect in teen brother’s stabbing, who suggested the 15 year old victim was member of rival #Trinitarios crew called “Sunset.” 5 men are charged w/Murder 1.

(video clip: Mary Murphy on Twitter )

 

[YESorNO]

Judge issues warning in the Junior murder case; lawyer introduces ‘hoodie’ defense (with clip)

APRIL 2, 2019

"NEW YORK — Judge Robert Neary issued a warning to courtroom spectators Tuesday at the pre-trial hearing of five suspects charged with the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz last June.

He referenced some disruptions last week, including one where the teen’s father cursed a suspect on his way out of court.

“If that continues, you’re going to be banned from coming into the courtroom,” Judge Neary said to all the spectators. As it turned out, Tuesday’s hearing — which was delayed — remained calm.

When the testimony finally started, Detective Francis Orlando from the NYPD Bronx Homicide Squad took the stand as the final prosecution witness in what’s called a “Rodriguez” hearing.

The Rodriguez hearing allows the judge to gauge how familiar a witness is with a suspect, when making an identification....

The pre-trial hearing resumes Thursday afternoon, with defense attorneys having a few items they want to discuss with the judge."

Judge issues warning in the Junior murder case; lawyer introduces ‘hoodie’ defense
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5 of the 14 suspects in the 'Junior Guzman Feliz case appear in court (with clip)

Apr 02, 2019

"THE BRONX -
Five of the 14 suspected killers in the Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz case appeared in court Tuesday for a pretrial conference....

The pretrial conference is set to continue Thursday. The defense is expected to present evidence and raise questions about video pertaining to the case."

5 of the 14 suspects in the 'Junior Guzman Feliz case appear in court

 

[YESorNO]

Michelle Arezou Ross‏Verified account @MRossNews Apr 4
Lisandro Guzman, Junior’s father, entering the courtroom earlier. Junior’s mother isn’t here today.
It was a short day in court... inside for less than an hour. Standby for more details. @News12BX #justiceforjunior #justice4junior

(video clip: Michelle Arezou Ross on Twitter )
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Prosecutors, defense squabble over ‘Witness A’ findings in ‘Junior’ stabbing case (with clip)

Apr 04, 2019

"...The defense attorneys and prosecution disputed the admissibility of what one witness told police.

According to one detective’s testimony over the last couple of weeks, “Witness A" identifies the alleged killers through Facebook photos and surveillance video of the killing, not by what he saw that night.

Witness A is also said to have been in a car with Jose Muniz — the defendant suspected of killing Junior – after the stabbing.
The defense argues Witness A never actually saw the killing and questions if his familiarity with the defendants is sufficient enough to bring into court and in front of a jury. Prosecutors believe otherwise.

The defense teams and prosecutors will meet privately with the judge Monday to determine what is admissible in court for the trial. It begins April 15...."

Prosecutors, defense squabble over ‘Witness A’ findings in ‘Junior’ stabbing case

 

[YESorNO]

Defense lawyers in ‘Junior’ murder case want to throw out some identifications made by star witnesses

APRIL 4, 2019

"THE BRONX — Lawyers for five murder defendants charged in the June stabbing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz asked a Bronx judge to throw out some of the suspect identifications made by the two, star witnesses.

Defense attorneys said the two men who made video statements to police “were there to try and curry favor and to diminish their liability” in Junior’s murder.

Prosecutor Morgan Dolan acknowledged, “These are co-conspirators, co-defendants,” the first time the district attorney’s office used that phrase about Witness A and Witness C....

The defense team and prosecutors are supposed to meet privately with Judge Neary this coming Monday, April 8, to discuss questions for a jury questionnaire...."

Defense lawyers in ‘Junior’ murder case want to throw out some identifications made by star witnesses

 

[YESorNO]

Who killed 'Junior?' Lesandro Guzman-Feliz murder suspects face justice

April 11, 2019

"Five of the 14 men arrested in the death of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz in the Bronx are due in court on Monday....

The five suspects appearing in court Monday are all accused of stabbing Guzman-Feliz and have been charged with first- and second-degree murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. They face life in prison if convicted.

The nine other suspects, who are accused of taking part in the assault but didn’t stab Guzman-Feliz, are due in court in May.

Scroll down to learn more about the five suspects charged with first-degree murder...."

Who killed 'Junior?' Murder suspects face justice

(Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago, Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, Jose Muniz and Manuel Rivera are charged with first-degree murder. The city's Department of Correction would not provide a mugshot of the fifth suspect charged with first-degree murder, Elvin Garcia. Photo Credit: Passaic County Prosecutor's office)

 

[YESorNO]

4 jurors selected to serve on ‘Junior’ murder trial (with clip)

Apr 16, 2019

"THE BRONX -
Four jurors have been selected to serve on the trial of the suspected Trinitarios gang members accused of beating and stabbing 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz last summer.

Prosecutors say the five men on trial used machetes on Junior.

On Monday, prospective jurors left with questionnaires that asked:
How do you feel about a gang allegedly being involved in this case?
Do you believe a defendant is guilty based off of an indictment?
Can you put aside what you have heard so far and start with a clean slate?

On Tuesday, one defense lawyer argued jurors should be open to hearing any kind of testimony during the trial — including the theory that Junior was involved in the “Sunset Crew” of the Trinitarios....

The court has to choose eight more jurors. Jury selection will continue Thursday. A judge is expected to decide then on whether Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, the man accused of delivering the fatal blow will be tried separately."

4 jurors selected to serve on ‘Junior’ murder trial
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Junior's mother pushes back against gang allegations (with clip)

Apr 22, 2019

"THE BRONX -
The mother of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz appeared in court for the first time on the fourth day of jury selection at the Bronx Supreme Court Monday, saying she is anxious to see convictions and pushing back against allegations her son was a gang member.

The court selected two more jurors Monday, bringing the jury up to six members in the trial of five defendants charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of 15-year-old Guzman-Feliz. Five of the six jurors thus far are women.

Leandra Feliz, Lesandro's mother, called for life in prison without parole for all five defendants. She also responded to the defense asking for the jury to be open to testimony that Junior was affiliated with the Sunset crew of the Trinitarios. She says her son was quiet and never got into any fights....

Opening statements are slated for April 29. Six seats still need to be filled on the jury before then, not including alternates...."

Junior's mother pushes back against gang allegations

 

[YESorNO]

The Tornado News‏ @TheTornadoNews 16h16 hours ago
2 women selected on the jury in the murder trial of 5 alleged members of the Trinitarios gang charge in the murder of 15 year old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. 7 women and 1 man have been selected so far. #JusticeForJunior

 

[YESorNO]

2 more women selected to jury on ‘Junior’ murder trial (with clip)

Apr 23, 2019

"THE BRONX -Two more women have been selected for the jury in the trial against the men accused of stabbing Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz to death last summer.

That brings the total jurors so far to eight – seven women and one male...

The prosecution and defense questioned a prospective jury pool of 11 people.

One man told the court that he was concerned the gang would come after him if his identity was revealed. The judge assured the court that it does everything to protect jurors' identities and safety.

The assistant Bronx district attorney asked potential jurors if anyone would "shut down" a cooperating witness' testimony during trial if it was in exchange for a "deal." The judge stated the DA must back up a cooperating witness testimony with evidence in order for that witness to even testify.

Prosecutors also asked potential jurors if they would feel sympathy for one side or the other. The judge was adamant that the case is decided on the facts not emotion...."

2 more women selected to jury on ‘Junior’ murder trial
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The Tornado News‏ @TheTornadoNews Apr 25
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, 1 of 14 alleged members of the Trinitarios gang charged in the murder of 15 year old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz rejects plea deal. 10 jurors have been selected. #JusticeForJunior

Suspect in 'Junior' murder trial rejects plea deal (with clip)

Apr 25, 2019

"BELMONT -
One of the suspects in the slaying of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz rejected a plea deal that would give him 23 years to life in prison Thursday.

Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella allegedly delivered the fatal blow to Junior last year. He is part of the 14 men accused of fatally beating the teen in Belmont.

Jury selection for the trial has been ongoing, with two more jurors being selected. Currently, 10 jurors have been selected....

Judge Neary is hoping to begin opening statements on Monday, but it may be pushed back by the jury selection process. "

Suspect in 'Junior' murder trial rejects plea deal

 

[YESorNO]

Jury fills out in ‘Junior’ murder trial; open statements pushed back (with clip)

Apr 26, 2019

"THE BRONX -
The court now has 12 jurors and one alternative for the murder trial against five men accused in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz last summer in Belmont.

The 11th and 12th jurors were selected Friday. The first alternate juror was picked. All but one juror are women.

Judge Robert Neary says the court needs to choose at least five more alternate jurors, and pushed back opening statements until next Thursday. Selection will resume Monday morning....

During juror questioning, defense lawyer Toni Messina, who represents Manuel Rivera, explained that even if the people prove a defendant was at the scene, they must prove intent to kill in order for the defendant to be convicted of murder...."

Jury fills out in ‘Junior’ murder trial; open statements pushed back

 

[YESorNO]

Jury selection begins in the Justice For Junior Trial

"...Jury selection began for Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago, Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, Jose Muniz, Manuel Rivera and Elvin Garcia at the Bronx Hall of Justice on Monday, April 15.

The nine remaining suspects are due in court on Thursday, May 2 where they too face murder charges.

Court proceedings in the case began on Thursday, October 25. Junior’s parents went face to face with their son’s alleged ruthless killers in the beginning of the grueling process.

“I just need justice for my son,” Junior’s Mother Leandra Feliz told supporters. “They left me dead and my heart broken,” she emotionally said in Spanish...."

Jury selection begins in the Justice For Junior Trial
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Defendant in ‘Junior’ trial gets ill, delaying jury selection process (with clip)

Apr 30, 2019

"THE BRONX -
A medical emergency delayed jury selection for five defendants in the Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz murder case, effectively pushing back opening statements in the trial.

Court officers were seated inside the courtroom waiting to escort the defendants in, but they never made it. News 12 was told Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, one of five men accused of first-degree murder, became ill inside the holding pen....

The selection process will resume on Thursday, which was the tentative date for opening statements to begin."

Defendant in ‘Junior’ trial gets ill, delaying jury selection process

 

[YESorNO]

amNewYork‏Verified account @amNewYork 11h11 hours ago
As jury selection continues for 5 suspects in the "Justice for Junior" case, another 9 men accused in Lesandro Guzman-Feliz's death are due in court https://in.amny.com/2UNWq0f

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One Suspect In The Murder Of Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Pleads Guilty

MAY 2, 2019

"In a closed courtroom yesterday, Kevin Alvarez—one of the first people linked to the brutal murder of 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz last June outside of a Bronx bodega—pleaded guilty, PIX11 reports....

Alvarez, who has since been transferred to protective custody from jail, is expected to testify in the upcoming trial. He's said in the past that he thought he was going into a fight, nothing more. "I only saw (the knives) when I came out of the store," he told the New York Daily News. "I backed up and put my arms up. I yelled at them to stop.”"

One Suspect In The Murder Of Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Pleads Guilty

 

[YESorNO]

Opening statements set for Monday in 'Junior' trial

May 03, 2019

"THE BRONX -Opening statements are set for Monday in the case against five of the men charged in the killing of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz.

In court Thursday, the defendents were shown the video evidence prosecutors plan to use against them. The video has proven to be a key piece of evidence in the case. It shows a mob of alleged Trinitarios stabbing Junior to death with machetes and knives.

The jury is comprised of 11 women and one man. Alternate jurors were also selected Thursday...."

Opening statements set for Monday in 'Junior' trial

 

[YESorNO]

PIX11 News‏Verified account @PIX11News 5h5 hours ago
Lawyers are scheduled to deliver opening statements Monday in court for five men accused of fatally stabbing 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz at a Bronx bodega.

Justice for Junior: Opening statements scheduled for 5 men facing charges in Bronx bodega murder case

 

[YESorNO]

Natalie Duddridge‏Verified account @CityNatalie 2h2 hours ago
The trial begins for “Junior.” Attorneys will deliver opening statements for 5 of the 14 men arrested in the death of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz. The first five to be tried, face murder and manslaughter charges. @CBSNewYork


(video clip: Natalie Duddridge on Twitter )

 

[YESorNO]

Mary Murphy‏Verified account @MurphyPIX 4h4 hours ago
Opening Statements, #Junior trial: #Bronx prosecutor tells jury the blade that killed 15 year old Lesandro Guzman Feliz was 4 1/2 inches long and struck teen’s jugular vein. ADA says suspects boasted of attack on phones afterwards. Follow @pix11 news at trial


Lisa Evers‏Verified account @LisaEvers 2h2 hours ago
#developing #Lesandro”Junior” Guzman - Feliz case...his brave mother Leandra Feliz arrives for opening statements in the trial of 5 men accused of murdering her 15 yo son. #hot97 @HOT97 #fox5ny @fox5ny

(video clip: Lisa Evers on Twitter )


Da Minority Report‏ @DaMinoritReport 2h2 hours ago
Leandra Feliz (in leather jacket) the brave mother of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz arrives for opening statements in the trial of 5 of the men accused in her son’s murder. #fox5ny via #LisaEvers https://www.instagram.com/p/BxIdGzYAOyV/?igshid=bjnn7lsc75tj …


CeFaan Kim‏Verified account @CeFaanKim 1h1 hour ago
Day 1 of trial of 5 alleged gang members arrested for brutally murdering 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz with knives and machetes. Defense arguing only 1 of wounds was fatal; other 4 did not intend to kill. Junior’s family not buying it. At 5pm. #JUSTICEFORJUNIOR

The Tornado News‏ @TheTornadoNews 16m16 minutes ago
Prosecution releases grisly details at the murder trial of 5 alleged members of the Trinitarios gang members charged in the murder of 15 year old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz. #JusticeForJunior


Prosecutor in ‘Junior’ trial reveals gruesome details of teen’s fatal injury during bodega attack (with clip)

MAY 6, 2019

"THE BRONX -- The lethal wound to Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz' neck last June came “from a knife 4 1/2 inches in depth — cutting his jugular vein,” the lead prosecutor revealed Monday during opening statements in the long-awaited murder trial of five alleged Trinitarios gang members.

Assistant District Attorney Morgan Dolan spent only 10 minutes laying out her case against the five men, all charged with murder in the first degree.

And for the first time, the name Michael Sosa Reyes was uttered in open court, when Dolan said he was part of the “Bad Boys” set that took part in the chase of the 15-year-old Bronx teen.

Sosa Reyes has been a cooperating witness since early in the investigation....

Junior’s mother and father were in court for opening statements with supporters.

Junior’s father — Lisandro Guzman — got a tattoo on his neck after his teen son’s murder, a gesture of solidarity with his slain son who is not here to fight for justice.

The first witness took the stand Monday afternoon,..."

Prosecutor in ‘Junior’ trial reveals gruesome details of teen’s fatal injury during bodega attack


The Tornado News‏ @TheTornadoNews 14m14 minutes ago
Woman describes 15 year old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz's final words as he was brutally murdered in a Bronx bodega. #JusticeForJunior

'Water': Witness Details Junior's Chilling Last Word in NYC Machete Killing (with clip)

""Water."

That was the last word 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz spoke when he was savagely killed with a machete in a Bronx bodega last summer, a killing that rocked the city -- and the nation -- for its caught-on-camera brutality.

The first witness took the stand Monday after lengthy opening statements from the prosecution and defense attorneys for five suspected gang members, the first of 14 to stand trial. The witness said she watched the attack from an apartment window and ran downstairs to try to help. She described, in heartbreaking detail, how Guzman-Feliz looked up at her after the attack and motioned her to call 911.

He only said that one word -- "water," she testified. She will resume her testimony on Tuesday. ..."

Woman Details Chilling Last Word in NYC Boy's Machete Slay

 

[kaen]

Thanks for these updates. Justice is coming for Junior. I am so happy there have not been any plea deals.

 

[YESorNO]

'Junior' Guzman-Feliz 'begged for his life,' prosecutor says as murder trial begins

May 6, 2019

"A witness detailed Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz's last moments on Monday as the trial started for five of the suspects charged with his death, nearly a year after the teenager was dragged from a bodega in the Bronx and fatally stabbed.

Tamika Jones, 21, said she screamed from the open window of her fifth-floor apartment for Guzman-Feliz to run to the nearby hospital as he looked up at her moments after he had been stabbed in the neck.

"By the time we got downstairs, he was already in front of the hospital, collapsed," Jones testified. "One of my friends took off her shirt and put it against his neck to try and stop the bleeding. He had blood all over his body. He was trying to stay alive, holding his wound himself. His last words were water — he asked for water." ...

Jones testified that she watched several men who were speaking Spanish drag Guzman-Feliz from the bodega, adding that she heard one shout that they needed to bring him on to the street because "there's cameras in there." ..."

'Junior' Guzman-Feliz 'begged for his life': Prosecutor