Junior's mother pushes back against gang allegations

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.

News 12 Staff

Apr 22, 2019, 9:31 PM

Updated 1,830 days ago

Share:

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.
"They have to show proof, there is no proof," says Feliz. "My son was not a gang member. Everybody saw what these men did to my son."
The judge presiding over the case has told prospective jurors to stay away from any information that is already available in the case in an effort to be a fair jury during the case.
One perspective juror says video evidence of Junior's death would be too disturbing for them to watch during the trial. Another said video evidence of the death would not be enough to convict the defendants because the faces seen in the video are too blurry.
Earlier in the selection process, a judge ruled against having a double jury or separate trial for Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, who is accused of giving Junior a fatal neck wound.
Opening statements are slated for April 29. Six seats still need to be filled on the jury before then, not including alternates.


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:46
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx