Lesandro Guzman-Feliz
Gang-Related Teen Murder
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Bronx, New York
TIME PERIOD
June 20, 2018
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On June 20, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was brutally murdered in a case of mistaken identity by members of the Dominican-American gang Trinitarios in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. After being chased by gang members, Guzman-Feliz sought refuge in a bodega located at the intersection of Bathgate Avenue and East 183rd Street, where he was ultimately dragged outside and attacked with machetes and knives. Fourteen suspects, all affiliated with the Trinitarios gang, were arrested and subsequently convicted for their roles in the murder, which sparked widespread public outrage following the release of graphic video footage of the incident. The case remains a significant example of gang violence and its impact on community safety and mental health, particularly affecting the bodega owner who witnessed the attack.
The murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz is believed to be a case of mistaken identity, as he was targeted by the Trinitarios gang despite having no affiliation with them. Some community members speculate that the gang was retaliating against someone else, leading to the tragic attack on Guzman-Feliz. The graphic nature of the murder and its subsequent circulation online has fueled public outrage and calls for justice against gang violence in the Bronx.
The Tragic Death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz
A Night in the Bronx
The evening of June 20, 2018, would forever alter the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. Under the dim glow of streetlights, 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz left his apartment with the simple intent of meeting a friend. Little did he know, this routine outing would soon spiral into a horrifying case of mistaken identity that would shock the nation.
As Junior made his way through the streets at approximately 11:30 p.m. EDT, he noticed four vehicles tailing him, a sight that spurred fear and urgency. He broke into a run, chased relentlessly by gang members of the notorious Dominican-American gang, the Trinitarios. Desperate for safety, Junior darted into a local bodega at the intersection of Bathgate Avenue and East 183rd Street, not far from his home.
A Brutal Attack
Inside the bodega, the store owner hesitated as the terrified Junior sought refuge. Initially unsure of the situation, the owner eventually allowed Junior to hide behind the counter. However, this sanctuary was short-lived. Gang members spotted Junior and dragged him outside, where a group awaited. The attack was captured in harrowing detail on surveillance cameras and a cell phone video from an overhead apartment. The footage revealed a vicious scene: Junior being stabbed repeatedly by several men wielding large knives and machetes.
In a desperate bid for life, Junior reentered the bodega, only to be pushed back outside. He staggered east on 183rd Street, bleeding profusely, towards St. Barnabas Hospital, just a block away. Despite his efforts, he collapsed on the steps of a nearby security booth. Crowds gathered, frantically trying to save him, but it was too late. Junior died just minutes after the attack, in the very community he called home.
Mistaken Identity and Public Outcry
The murder, as the world would later learn, was a tragic case of mistaken identity. A leader of the Trinitarios confessed on Snapchat that Junior had been mistaken for a member of a rival gang due to a video shared on Facebook. The video allegedly depicted an individual resembling Junior with a young woman, believed to be a relative of a gang member.
The nation erupted in outrage as #JusticeForJunior spread across social media. The graphic video of Junior's murder circulated widely, prompting a flood of tips to police hotlines. The horrifying footage galvanized the public, who demanded justice for the innocent teenager.
A Life Cut Short
Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, born on November 11, 2002, was an aspiring detective, a dream he pursued through the NYPD Explorers program. A sophomore at the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School, he was cherished by a family that included his father, Lisandro Guzman, his mother, Leandra Feliz, his sister, Genesis Collado-Feliz, and his brother, Manuel Ortiz.
The community mourned deeply, and his funeral at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church drew thousands. Pallbearers wore New York Yankees jerseys, a tribute to Junior's favorite baseball team. He was laid to rest at Saint Raymond's Cemetery, his life celebrated but tragically cut short.
In honor of Junior, the NYPD established a scholarship in his name, and the corner where he died was renamed "Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz Way" in February 2019, a fitting tribute on his mother's birthday.
The Perpetrators
Fourteen suspects, all members of the Trinitarios, were arrested for their roles in the murder. The ages of the accused ranged from 18 to 29, including Kevin Alvarez, Luis Cabrera-Santos, Danel Fernandez, Elvin Garcia, Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, Jose Muniz, Danilo Payamps-Pacheco, Gabriel Ramirez-Concepcion, Manuel Rivera, Diego Suero, Jose Taverez, Fredrick Then, and Ronald Ureña. Diego Suero, alleged to be the ringleader, had ordered the attack, while Martinez-Estrella was said to have delivered the fatal blow.
The incarceration of the suspects at Rikers Island was fraught with danger. They received death threats from fellow inmates, including members of their own gang. Rivera suffered a slash wound to the face during a brawl, allegedly with a rival gang member.
Justice Delivered
Nearly a year after Junior's murder, a Bronx jury delivered justice. On June 14, 2019, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, Manuel Rivera, Elvin Garcia, Jose Muniz, and Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez were convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, gang assault, and conspiracy. The first-degree murder charge underscored the torture Junior endured before his death.
Martinez-Estrella received a life sentence for first-degree murder, with concurrent sentences for other charges. However, his first-degree murder conviction was later vacated due to insufficient evidence. Rivera was sentenced to 23 years to life, while the other defendants received 25 years to life, all with additional sentences for conspiracy and gang assault.
A Haunting Legacy
The tragic story of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz remains a stark reminder of senseless violence and the impact of gang culture. In a chilling development, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella died in his cell at Coxsackie Correctional Facility on June 29, 2025. The cause of death remains unknown, adding another layer to the haunting legacy of Junior's tragic murder.
Sources
For more detailed information about the case, visit the Wikipedia page on Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s murder.
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Murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz
15-year-old Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz is killed by Trinitarios gang members in a case of mistaken identity.
Public Outrage
Graphic videos of Guzman-Feliz's murder circulate online, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
First Arrests Made
The first suspects are arrested in connection with Guzman-Feliz's murder, marking the beginning of a larger investigation.
Final Suspect Arrested
The twelfth and final suspect in Guzman-Feliz's murder is arrested in Connecticut, bringing the total to fourteen.
Trial Verdict
A jury convicts five gang members of first-degree murder, acknowledging that Guzman-Feliz was tortured before his death.
Sentencing
The convicted gang members are sentenced to life in prison and additional years for their roles in the murder.
Suspect Found Dead
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, one of the convicted gang members, is found dead in his prison cell; cause of death unknown.
On June 20, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was brutally murdered in a case of mistaken identity by members of the Dominican-American gang Trinitarios in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. After being chased by gang members, Guzman-Feliz sought refuge in a bodega located at the intersection of Bathgate Avenue and East 183rd Street, where he was ultimately dragged outside and attacked with machetes and knives. Fourteen suspects, all affiliated with the Trinitarios gang, were arrested and subsequently convicted for their roles in the murder, which sparked widespread public outrage following the release of graphic video footage of the incident. The case remains a significant example of gang violence and its impact on community safety and mental health, particularly affecting the bodega owner who witnessed the attack.
The murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz is believed to be a case of mistaken identity, as he was targeted by the Trinitarios gang despite having no affiliation with them. Some community members speculate that the gang was retaliating against someone else, leading to the tragic attack on Guzman-Feliz. The graphic nature of the murder and its subsequent circulation online has fueled public outrage and calls for justice against gang violence in the Bronx.
The Tragic Death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz
A Night in the Bronx
The evening of June 20, 2018, would forever alter the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. Under the dim glow of streetlights, 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz left his apartment with the simple intent of meeting a friend. Little did he know, this routine outing would soon spiral into a horrifying case of mistaken identity that would shock the nation.
As Junior made his way through the streets at approximately 11:30 p.m. EDT, he noticed four vehicles tailing him, a sight that spurred fear and urgency. He broke into a run, chased relentlessly by gang members of the notorious Dominican-American gang, the Trinitarios. Desperate for safety, Junior darted into a local bodega at the intersection of Bathgate Avenue and East 183rd Street, not far from his home.
A Brutal Attack
Inside the bodega, the store owner hesitated as the terrified Junior sought refuge. Initially unsure of the situation, the owner eventually allowed Junior to hide behind the counter. However, this sanctuary was short-lived. Gang members spotted Junior and dragged him outside, where a group awaited. The attack was captured in harrowing detail on surveillance cameras and a cell phone video from an overhead apartment. The footage revealed a vicious scene: Junior being stabbed repeatedly by several men wielding large knives and machetes.
In a desperate bid for life, Junior reentered the bodega, only to be pushed back outside. He staggered east on 183rd Street, bleeding profusely, towards St. Barnabas Hospital, just a block away. Despite his efforts, he collapsed on the steps of a nearby security booth. Crowds gathered, frantically trying to save him, but it was too late. Junior died just minutes after the attack, in the very community he called home.
Mistaken Identity and Public Outcry
The murder, as the world would later learn, was a tragic case of mistaken identity. A leader of the Trinitarios confessed on Snapchat that Junior had been mistaken for a member of a rival gang due to a video shared on Facebook. The video allegedly depicted an individual resembling Junior with a young woman, believed to be a relative of a gang member.
The nation erupted in outrage as #JusticeForJunior spread across social media. The graphic video of Junior's murder circulated widely, prompting a flood of tips to police hotlines. The horrifying footage galvanized the public, who demanded justice for the innocent teenager.
A Life Cut Short
Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, born on November 11, 2002, was an aspiring detective, a dream he pursued through the NYPD Explorers program. A sophomore at the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School, he was cherished by a family that included his father, Lisandro Guzman, his mother, Leandra Feliz, his sister, Genesis Collado-Feliz, and his brother, Manuel Ortiz.
The community mourned deeply, and his funeral at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church drew thousands. Pallbearers wore New York Yankees jerseys, a tribute to Junior's favorite baseball team. He was laid to rest at Saint Raymond's Cemetery, his life celebrated but tragically cut short.
In honor of Junior, the NYPD established a scholarship in his name, and the corner where he died was renamed "Lesandro Junior Guzman-Feliz Way" in February 2019, a fitting tribute on his mother's birthday.
The Perpetrators
Fourteen suspects, all members of the Trinitarios, were arrested for their roles in the murder. The ages of the accused ranged from 18 to 29, including Kevin Alvarez, Luis Cabrera-Santos, Danel Fernandez, Elvin Garcia, Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, Jose Muniz, Danilo Payamps-Pacheco, Gabriel Ramirez-Concepcion, Manuel Rivera, Diego Suero, Jose Taverez, Fredrick Then, and Ronald Ureña. Diego Suero, alleged to be the ringleader, had ordered the attack, while Martinez-Estrella was said to have delivered the fatal blow.
The incarceration of the suspects at Rikers Island was fraught with danger. They received death threats from fellow inmates, including members of their own gang. Rivera suffered a slash wound to the face during a brawl, allegedly with a rival gang member.
Justice Delivered
Nearly a year after Junior's murder, a Bronx jury delivered justice. On June 14, 2019, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, Manuel Rivera, Elvin Garcia, Jose Muniz, and Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez were convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, gang assault, and conspiracy. The first-degree murder charge underscored the torture Junior endured before his death.
Martinez-Estrella received a life sentence for first-degree murder, with concurrent sentences for other charges. However, his first-degree murder conviction was later vacated due to insufficient evidence. Rivera was sentenced to 23 years to life, while the other defendants received 25 years to life, all with additional sentences for conspiracy and gang assault.
A Haunting Legacy
The tragic story of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz remains a stark reminder of senseless violence and the impact of gang culture. In a chilling development, Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella died in his cell at Coxsackie Correctional Facility on June 29, 2025. The cause of death remains unknown, adding another layer to the haunting legacy of Junior's tragic murder.
Sources
For more detailed information about the case, visit the Wikipedia page on Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s murder.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Murder of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz
15-year-old Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz is killed by Trinitarios gang members in a case of mistaken identity.
Public Outrage
Graphic videos of Guzman-Feliz's murder circulate online, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
First Arrests Made
The first suspects are arrested in connection with Guzman-Feliz's murder, marking the beginning of a larger investigation.
Final Suspect Arrested
The twelfth and final suspect in Guzman-Feliz's murder is arrested in Connecticut, bringing the total to fourteen.
Trial Verdict
A jury convicts five gang members of first-degree murder, acknowledging that Guzman-Feliz was tortured before his death.
Sentencing
The convicted gang members are sentenced to life in prison and additional years for their roles in the murder.
Suspect Found Dead
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, one of the convicted gang members, is found dead in his prison cell; cause of death unknown.