The five men responsible for the mistaken killing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz have all been found guilty.
The five men: Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago, Jonaiki Martinez Estrella, Jose Muniz, and Manuel Rivera and Elvin Garcia were all charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy and second-degree gang assault. Prosecutors say surveillance video show Martinez Estrella stab Guzman-Feliz, the strike that ultimately killed him. This group was among several others that surrounded Guzman-Feliz outside a bodega on East 183rd Street.
A coroner testified that the 14-year-old was struck multiple times with knives, machetes and single knife stab to the neck that ended his life. The men at the time believed Junior was someone else when they attacked him.
Guzman-Feliz’s mother, Leandra Guzman said she wasn’t feeling well while waiting on the verdict. “Not good, not good,” she replied when asked how she was doing. “Just praying to God,” she added. “Loving God.”
Rest in peace, #JuniorGuzmanFeliz!
