Gang expert offers inside look at Trinitarios gang in ‘Junior’ testimony

Leandra Feliz had to bury her head in her hands in court Friday to avoid watching a 22-minute video compilation that showed the chase and fatal stabbing of her son, Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz.

News 12 Staff

May 17, 2019, 11:29 PM

Updated 1,804 days ago

Share:

Leandra Feliz had to bury her head in her hands in court Friday to avoid watching a 22-minute video compilation that showed the chase and fatal stabbing of her son, Lesandro “Junior” Guzman Feliz.
Prosecutors hit the jury with the video after NYPD gang Detective Charne Jimenez gave them an inside look at the Trinitarios — the gang accused of murdering Junior last summer on a Belmont street corner with knives and machetes.
Jimenez said that Diego Suero — who is awaiting trial — was the first boss or “Duarte” at the time of Junior's death. He says Frederick Then — who is also awaiting trial — was second in command.
Prosecutors say Suero ordered the hit on the sunset chapter of the Trinitarios the night of Junior's murder. Prosecutors say Junior was mistaken for a rival gang member.
Defense lawyers cross examining Jimenez said members of the gang are harshly disciplined if they do not follow orders. News 12 legal analyst Chris Carrion says the defense is trying to remove culpability from the defendants by establishing that they were under duress to commit the crime.
Prosecutors responding to that argument using witness testimony of the NYPD gang expert to point out that gang members are made aware of the violence they may have to commit before they officially become part of the Trinitarios.
The gang expert also testified that if a member became a “snitch” – “That person is to be murdered on site.”
Earlier testimony revealed Kevin Alvarez, Michael "Sosa" Reyes and alleged leader Diego Suero all cooperated with police.
The trial resumes Monday.


More from News 12
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

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

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

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

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day