Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, the man convicted of delivering the fatal stab to 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, was found dead at Coxsackie Correctional Facility, according to state prison records. His cause of death has not been revealed.
Back in May, he was resentenced to 25 years to life after his original conviction of first-degree murder was overturned. Martinez-Estrella was still serving time for second-degree murder, conspiracy, and gang assault in the infamous 2018 killing.
Junior was attacked by a mob of 14 Trinitarios gang members who mistook him for a rival. He was dragged out of a Bronx bodega and fatally stabbed in the neck. Martinez-Estrella reportedly carried a sharp object in his shoe that day in court, and prosecutors noted he showed no remorse.
“My intention was not to cause death,” he claimed in court, blaming drugs and gang loyalty.
Junior’s final words, asking for water as he collapsed near a hospital, devastated a city and sparked a global movement.
“All I can say was that he was a good kid,” said his sister, Genesis Collado-Feliz. His mother said, “That night, there were two deaths, Junior and I.”
Though Martinez-Estrella’s life ended behind bars, Junior’s memory continues through vigils, balloon releases, and advocacy.
