Belmont teen murder suspects face judge after extradition from NJ

<p>Six of the eight men suspected of taking part in the gang-related stabbing death of a Belmont teen arrived at the NYPD's 48th Precinct to face a judge around noon Wednesday after their extradition from New Jersey.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 28, 2018, 11:40 AM

Updated 2,133 days ago

Share:

Six of the eight men suspected of taking part in the gang-related stabbing death of a Belmont teen arrived at the NYPD's 48th Precinct to face a judge around noon Wednesday after their extradition from New Jersey.
As News 12 has reported, police arrested six suspects in Paterson, New Jersey. Four of them are Bronx residents: Jose Tavarez, 21, Manuel Rivera, 18, Danel Fernandez, 21, and Antonio Hernandez Santiago, 24. Jose Muniz, 21, is from New Jersey, and Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, 24, is from Freeport, on Long Island. They all are facing charges ranging from murder and manslaughter to gang assault, felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Martinez is accused of delivering a fatal gash to the victim's throat.
The NYPD also arrested two other suspects in the city: 19-year-old Kevin Alvarez, and 23-year-old Elvin Garcia.
They are all accused of taking part in the brutal slaying of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, a member of the NYPD Explorers youth program who went by the name Junior. They used machetes and knives to murder the 15-year-old outside a Belmont bodega last Wednesday.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: #JusticeForJunior
Graphic surveillance video of the attack has circulated widely on social media and prompted massive public condemnation. The video ends with the blood-covered victim stumbling toward St. Barnabas Hospital -- which is a block away from the crime scene. Police say he died outside the door.
Sources say the men may have mistaken Junior for someone else before killing him, but police have not officially confirmed that information.
Police say a flurry of tips helped them arrest the eight suspects.
At least some of them have alleged ties to the violent Trinitarios street gang -- which may also be responsible for the unrelated stabbing of a 14-year-old boy on the Bronx River Parkway last week.
The six latest arraignments came on the same day as the victim's funeral.
Each man has pleaded not guilty -- and the judge ordered each held without bail.
"I'd ask the public to reserve judgement because although is a lot known, there's a lot unknown," said Edward Sapone, a defense attorney for one murder suspect.
It's unclear if police will make more arrests in the case, but the investigation is ongoing.


More from News 12
2:19
Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

2:23
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse, community advocates file over 150 lawsuits accusing staff at juvenile facilities

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse, community advocates file over 150 lawsuits accusing staff at juvenile facilities

2:20
Lingering showers end early Wednesday before sunnier skies arrive

Lingering showers end early Wednesday before sunnier skies arrive

1:37
Police: 79-year-old woman found dead in her Grand Concourse apartment

Police: 79-year-old woman found dead in her Grand Concourse apartment

1:33
NYPD: Man wanted for robbing Mott Haven deli at gunpoint

NYPD: Man wanted for robbing Mott Haven deli at gunpoint

1:57
Pelham Parkway dialysis center closing soon, leaving patients angered

Pelham Parkway dialysis center closing soon, leaving patients angered

1:45
Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

1:36
Residents say they feel unsafe after bricks fell from their building

Residents say they feel unsafe after bricks fell from their building

1:28
Multiplex Cinema in Concourse Village set to close; BP Gibson says mall owners mull another theater

Multiplex Cinema in Concourse Village set to close; BP Gibson says mall owners mull another theater

1:13
Police: Wanted suspect linked to overnight shooting of teen in Claremont Park

Police: Wanted suspect linked to overnight shooting of teen in Claremont Park

0:21
Police: Newborn found dead in Melrose section of the Bronx

Police: Newborn found dead in Melrose section of the Bronx

1:51
Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

1:31
Bronx mother accused of killing 6-year-old daughter appears in court

Bronx mother accused of killing 6-year-old daughter appears in court

0:28
New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

1:36
EmblemHealth to open new medical facility in Fordham section of the Bronx

EmblemHealth to open new medical facility in Fordham section of the Bronx

0:21
Police: 32-year-old man fatally shot in the head in Throgs Neck

Police: 32-year-old man fatally shot in the head in Throgs Neck

1:58
DCWP accuses R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes of exploiting grieving families in lawsuit

DCWP accuses R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes of exploiting grieving families in lawsuit

1:30
Exclusive video: 4 suspects wanted for gunpoint robbery in Morrisania

Exclusive video: 4 suspects wanted for gunpoint robbery in Morrisania

1:56
New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

1:38
Residents out and about on day of sunshine

Residents out and about on day of sunshine