Tags Posts tagged with "Murder"

Murder

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David Trent

David Trent Pleaded Guilty in September 2024

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 30 that David Trent, 19, of Mastic Beach, was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, and other related charges, for shooting and killing Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and injuring two others outside of the Minx Nightclub in Farmingville, as well as the armed robbery of a Lyft driver that occurred in Wading River. Trent was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long-term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization, “No Fake Love,” also known as the “NFL.”

“We are satisfied that this lengthy sentence will keep this violent offender off the streets of Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This was a violent and brutal act and now this defendant will be held accountable for his indefensible actions.”

As established by the investigation and guilty plea allocution, on December 5, 2021, Trent, a member of the violent street gang No Fake Love, and his associates were gathered in the parking lot of the Minx nightclub in Farmingville. Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and his friends were walking through the parking lot after exiting the nightclub and an argument ensued. The argument turned physical, then Trent went to the vehicle that he arrived in, retrieved a firearm, and shot Barrera.

Trent and another individual then kicked Barrera while he was on the ground, before Trent stood over Barrera and shot him again, killing him. Trent and his associates then got into their vehicle and Trent leaned out of the window and fired multiple shots while the vehicle was fleeing the scene. Two additional victims suffered non-fatal injuries in the shooting.

Additionally, on April 13, 2022, Trent, along with co-conspirators Shati Roy, Jr. and Corey Foggy, ordered a Lyft rideshare car to an address in Wading River. When the driver arrived, Trent, Roy, and Foggy entered the rear of the vehicle. A short time into the trip, Roy reached over and repeatedly struck the driver about the head and body. Trent and Roy then both pointed guns at the driver’s head and stated to each other and the driver several times, “Shoot him! Get out of the car.” During this time, Foggy exited the vehicle and forcibly pulled the driver out of the vehicle, causing the driver to fall to the ground. Roy then jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with Trent still in the rear. Roy then ripped out the dashboard camera and threw it onto the road (the camera was later recovered by investigators and captured the entire incident). Both Roy and Foggy have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this robbery and carjacking.

On September 30, 2024, Trent pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   One count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Class B felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies;

  •   One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

    On October 30, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Trent to 28 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Martha Duffy and Donald Barclay of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by District Attorney Investigator Jean Graf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Kerri Bedrick Was Allegedly Fleeing Law Enforcement While Impaired by Methamphetamine When She Caused a Four-Car Collision that Killed Her Son

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 4 that Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed her son, who was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle she drove in the wrong direction of the Southern State Parkway while allegedly impaired by methamphetamine.

“The charges returned by the grand jury reflect the severe nature of the alleged offenses. The loss of life in this incident, particularly that of a young child, is heartbreaking,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice not only for the child but also for those whose lives were affected and disrupted by this heinous act.”

According to court documents and the investigation, on August 22, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., a Suffolk County deputy sheriff was patrolling the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway when he observed Bedrick driving westbound at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

When he spotted Bedrick driving the wrong way, the deputy sheriff made a U-turn, activated his lights and sirens and attempted to stop Bedrick’s car as she continued to drive in the direction of oncoming traffic. Bedrick allegedly accelerated and drove around the deputy’s vehicle as he attempted to guide her car safely off the road. The deputy sheriff continued to travel behind Bedrick at a safe distance for more than five miles, as she allegedly reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Bedrick’s actions caused multiple vehicles traveling eastbound to avoid being struck by veering out of the way of her oncoming car. For safety reasons, the deputy sheriff had to enter the westbound lanes of travel in order to maintain sight of Bedrick’s vehicle while she continued to drive the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

Shortly afterwards, just east of Exit 42N, Bedrick struck multiple vehicles. The crash ended with Bedrick striking a Mercedes GLS SUV head-on. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both cars and ejected a large field of debris across the roadway. The engine of Bedrick’s vehicle was launched into the woods.

When the deputy sheriff who had been following Bedrick and New York State Police troopers approached her vehicle, they observed an unconscious nine-year old child in the backseat passenger seat. The child was removed from the vehicle and attempts to provide life saving measures were taken. The child was later taken to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Two other motorists involved in the collision were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Multiple pills were recovered from the defendant’s vehicle in a prescription bottle with the name peeled off. The defendant was later taken to the hospital, determined to be impaired by the use of a drug, and placed under arrest. A review of Bedrick’s driving history revealed that she had 56 suspensions on 8 separate dates.

On September 4, 2024, Bedrick was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
  •   One count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Unlawful Feeling a Police Officer in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class

    A misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree

    an unclassified misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License, a traffic infraction;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection Certificate, a traffic

    infraction;

  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, a traffic infraction; and
  •   One count of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, a traffic infraction.

Justice Horowitz ordered Bedrick to be remanded without bail and that her license be suspended during the pendecy of the case.

Bedrick is due back in court on October 22, 2024, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Doyle of the New York State Police.

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Scott Peterson is currently serving life in prison for the murder of his wife, Laci. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

The facts are these:

On Christmas Eve 2002, 27-year-old Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant with her first child, disappeared from her home in Modesto, California. Her husband, Scott, claimed to have last seen her at 9:30 a.m. Originally, Scott announced he was golfing but later revealed that he had gone fishing at the Berkeley Marina. When he returned home that afternoon, he found their dog, McKenzie, still leashed in the backyard. After showering and washing his clothes, Scott contacted Laci’s mother to see if Laci was there. Both Scott and Laci’s stepfather reported Laci missing. While investigating, detectives found Laci’s keys, wallet, and sunglasses in her purse and closet.

Scott Peterson is currently serving life in prison for the murder of his wife, Laci.
Photo courtesy of Netflix

Immediately, a massive search was underway. Initially, Laci’s in-laws defended Scott, but as the investigation continued, the police became more suspicious. On Dec. 30, Amber Frey contacted the hotline, revealing that she had been dating Scott since November as she believed he was single. She recorded their conversations over the next month. On Jan. 24, 2003, the information went public.

On April 13, the fetus remains of Conner, Laci’s unborn child, was discovered in San Francisco Bay. The following day, the remains of a woman—later identified as Laci—washed up a mile away from where Conner’s remains were found. The area was just a few miles from where Scott had been fishing.

Police arrested Scott Peterson on April 18 in La Jolla, California. In addition to knives and credit cards (and his brother’s I.D.), Scott had fifteen thousand dollars in cash. He had grown a mustache and beard and dyed his hair.

Scott’s trial began on June 1, 2004, with jury deliberations beginning on Nov. 3. On Nov. 12, Scott was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci’s death and second-degree murder for Conner’s death. On Dec. 13, the jury recommended the death sentence, which a judge enacted on March 16. After years of appeals and accusations of an unfair trial (2012 to 2015), the death sentence was overturned on Aug. 24, 2020. He was resentenced on Dec. 8, 2021, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On Dec. 20, 2023, Scott Peterson’s request for a new trial was denied, and in January 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project began its representation of Scott Peterson, claiming that he was innocent.

Since 2002, millions of words have covered the tragic death of Laci Peterson. Thousands of articles and hours of media coverage. The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story aired on USA Network in 2004. In 2005, CBS broadcast the movie Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution. 

The case featured on The E! True Hollywood Story, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Murder Made Me Famous, Crime Junkie Podcast, The Laci Peterson Story: A Dateline Investigation, Snapped, Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson, How It Really Happened, 48 Hours, 20/20, etc. A&E produced a six-part series, The Murder of Laci Peterson (2017).

Netflix now presents American Murder: Laci Peterson. Directed by Skye Borgman (Girl in the Picture, Abducted in Plain Sight), the three-part documentary offers little new information. It mostly focuses on interviews intercut with archival footage and blurry, slow-motion B-roll recreations. 

Part 1: “What Do You Mean, Missing?” highlights the first six days and establishes the Petersons as the “perfect couple.” Part 2: “I Wasn’t a Mistress” follows Amber Frey, Scott’s girlfriend, as she aids the police by taping their conversations. Part 3: “Nothing Can Change the Truth” takes the story from arrest through trial and conviction.

There is no question that this is a heartbreaking story. Laci’s disappearance and murder was terrible in every respect. However, the point of revisiting the murder is to shed new light and a new perspective. For the most part, American Murder fails to do this. 

Throughout the two-and-a-half hours, the filmmakers fail to address why this particular case grabbed the country’s attention from the first moment. It acknowledges that Scott Peterson was tried on a great deal of circumstantial evidence (no DNA, no witnesses, no definitive weapon) but goes no further, emphasizing his disturbing behavior and questionable personality. It almost celebrates the mob mentality at the announcement of the verdict. It also never addresses the Innocence Project taking up his case, suggesting that Laci was murdered by the burglars of the neighbor’s house. In short, the documentary leans into ominous chords, peripatetic cuts, and eerie images.

For the most part, the interviews add little insight. The detectives revisit the same material and perspectives. Journalist Gloria Gomez speaks of the media frenzy but takes no responsibility for being part of that circus. There is an uncomfortable interview with two of the jurors that offers little perspective. 

The one powerful throughline is Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha. While reliving this is painful, she maintains dignity and clarity. She divides her life between before Laci and after Laci and knows that this changed everybody’s lives. One of the last things she states is, “You don’t get over it; you just get through it.” Her interview is the most valuable part of the documentary.

On Aug. 20, Peacock presents Face to Face with Scott Peterson, featuring his first interview in decades. Undoubtedly, this will be a different perspective, emphasizing alternate theories. 

Stepping back from pure objectivity, Scott Peterson was a liar, a cheat, a narcissist, and most likely murdered his wife, Laci, a kind, gentle person. Like any victim of a violent crime, her story deserves and needs to be told—but always with integrity, sensitivity, and raw honesty. Unfortunately, American Murder does not rise to this standard.

The three-part documentary is currently streaming on Netflix.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Oliver Schor and Christopher Fernandez Allegedly Shot and Killed Michael Hartmann

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 9 that Oliver Schor, 22, and Christopher Fernandez, 28, both of Sound Beach, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Michael Hartmann, 49, at his Bohemia home.

“This case involves the heartbreaking loss of Michael Hartmann, a husband, father and beloved family man, who was brutally killed at his own home,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice for him. Our condolences go out to the Hartmann family during this difficult time.”

According to the investigation, on November 2, 2022, Fernandez and Schor allegedly descended upon the victim’s home in Bohemia armed with rifles. The defendants were about to enter the residence through the rear back door when they encountered the victim. Schor allegedly opened fire and killed the victim before both defendants fled the area in Schor’s mother’s car. Based upon law enforcement’s subsequent investigation, it is believed that this is a case of mistaken identity.

Fernandez also allegedly robbed a gas station employee at an Exxon Mobil Gas Station in Manorville shortly before the murder.

Schor was indicted for the following charges:

  •   One count of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
  •   One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;and
  •   One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.Fernandez was indicted for the following charges:
  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; and
  •   One count of Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.On August 9, 2024, both defendants were arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered both defendants be remanded during the pendency of the case.

    Schor is due back in court on September 16, 2024, and faces life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Jason Bassett, Esq.

    Fernandez is due back in court on September 11, 2024, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Frankie Sierra of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Gustavo Hernandez and His Nephews, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, Allegedly Kidnapped the Victim in Broad Daylight Before Killing Him

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 2 that Gustavo Hernandez, 38, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo, 19, and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, 18, each from Farmingdale, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, for their alleged participation in the abduction and murder of Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, 48, of Amityville.

“The allegations in this indictment are deeply disturbing. The brazen nature of this alleged crime, occurring in a public place during daylight hours, shocks the conscience and undermines our sense of community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This indictment is our first step in pursuing justice for Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo and his family.”

According to the investigation, on the evening of June 21, 2024, the victim was walking on Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale when he was allegedly spotted by the defendants, who were in a Blue Isuzu Rodeo.

There is no known familial relationship between the victim, Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, and the defendants.

page1image29118944Video surveillance shows the defendants allegedly exiting the vehicle, attacking the victim, and attempting to drag him toward the Isuzu. Their efforts were thwarted by a passing motorist, allowing the victim to escape to a gas station across the street.

Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.

The defendants allegedly followed the victim to the gas station. Video surveillance showed the Jeronimo brothers covering their faces and then, along with their uncle, allegedly beating the victim, knocking him to the ground, choking him, and violently forcing him into the trunk of the Isuzu.

page2image29252304 page2image29249184page2image29253760 page2image29253968page2image29254176Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

page2image29254592page2image29255008
Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.
page2image29255216

The alleged abduction was caught on video surveillance and occurred at a gas station in broad daylight.

After allegedly forcing the victim into the trunk of the SUV, the defendants drove to Belmont Lake State Park, and then back to Farmingdale where surveillance video captured them allegedly dumping the victim’s body on a residential street.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office noted that the victim suffered numerous injuries including but not limited to asphyxia due to neck compression, severe blunt force trauma of the abdomen, and what appeared to be a stab wound to his upper chest.

page3image29127472 page3image29121856page3image29127264 page3image29128304page3image29128096 page3image29128512page3image29128720 page3image29128928All three defendants allegedly heading towards the victim, with Hernandez in the blue Isuzu.

page3image29129136 page3image29129344
Defendants allegedly beating and choking the victim.page3image29129552

All three defendants were indicted for the following charges:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A-I felonies;
  •   One count of Kidnapping in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony; and
  •   One count of Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.On August 1, 2024, the defendants were each arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Justice Wilutis ordered all three defendants be remanded without bail during the pendency of the case.

    The defendants are due back in court on September 10, 2024. Hernandez is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq. Walter Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Sheetal Shetty and Eric Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, with the assistance of Aracelis Buchanan, the SCDA’s Victim Services Coordinator. The investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Anthony Santiesteban

Anthony Santiesteban was Convicted in June of the Fatal Shooting of Martina Thompson

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 1 that Anthony Santiesteban, 32, of Centereach, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison, after a jury found him guilty in June of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for fatally shooting Martina Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue, in October 2022.

“This defendant deliberately took the life of Martina Thompson, whose children will now have to live without their mother,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Murder does not just end one life, it devastates families, friends, and entire communities. While no punishment can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, this sentence ensures the defendant will face severe consequences for this grievous act and will no longer pose a danger to the public.”

The evidence at trial established that in the early morning hours of October 29, 2022, surveillance video captured Santiesteban and the victim engaging in a conversation next to Santiesteban’s Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot in Coram. Santiesteban was then seen on video following the victim into a fenced area at the rear of the parking lot. Immediately afterwards, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a gunshot is heard on the video recording, and Santiesteban was captured walking out of the fenced area with a semi-automatic handgun in his hand. Santiesteban then entered his Jeep and left the scene.

At 1:25 a.m., the police found the victim with a gunshot wound to her face, lying in a pool of blood. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue where she was pronounced dead.

On November 2, 2022, police searched Santiesteban’s bedroom pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun. Ballistics testing confirmed the bullet casing found next to the victim’s body came from the gun found in the bedroom.

On June 24, 2024, Santiesteban was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft Jr.:

  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony.

    On August 1, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Santiesteban to 40 years to life in prison. He was represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. and Peter Mayer, Esq.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mallek of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Luis Cabrera and Thomas Henry of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two men on July 31 for the shooting death of Michael Hartmann, who was killed outside of his home, located at 605 Smithtown Ave. in Bohemia, on November 2, 2022.

Following an investigation by Homicide Squad detectives, Christopher Fernandez and Oliver Schor were both charged with alleged Murder 2nd Degree.

Fernandez, 28, of Sound Beach, was arrested in Lexington, South Carolina with the assistance of the Lexington County Police Department. He is being held at the Sixth Precinct and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 31.

Schor, 22, of Miller Place, was also arrested in Lexington South Carolina with the assistance of the Lexington County Police Department. He was arrested as a fugitive from justice and will be arraigned in New York on a later date.

Below is the original release:

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a man who was shot to death in his backyard on Nov. 2, 2022.

Michael Hartmann was in the backyard of his home, located at 605 Smithtown Ave., when two people entered his yard and fired multiple shots, striking him once, at approximately 6:35 a.m. Hartmann, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852- 6392 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Jose Martinez-Vazquez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera

Jose Martinez-Vazquez Fatally Stabbed Benjamin Flores-Mendez While Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, Served as a Lookout

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 25 that Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, 21, both of Port Jefferson Station, pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the fatal stabbing of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, 39, also from Port Jefferson Station. Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally stabbing Flores-Mendez. Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for acting as a look out while the stabbing took place.

“These defendants conspired to brutally take the life of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, and then did so in a place where Suffolk County residents should feel safe to walk, hike, or bike,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Violence is never the answer, and we will not rest until anyone committing such wanton acts are brought to justice.”

According to court documents and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions,

on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vasquez followed the victim into the Port Jefferson Station entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. Martinez-Vazquez admitted to fatally stabbing the victim multiple times while Diaz-Cabrera, Martinez-Vazquez’s girlfriend, served as his lookout. The victim was later discovered lying in the entrance of the trail by Good Samaritans.

On March 5, 2023, Suffolk County homicide detectives arrested both defendants.

On April 22, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Diaz-Cabrera is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024. She is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

On July 25, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, before Justice Wilutis. Martinez-Vazquez is due back in court for sentencing on August 28, 2024. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Anthony Santiesteban

Anthony Santiesteban Faces Up to 25 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Anthony Santiesteban, 32, of Centereach, was found guilty after a jury trial of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges for fatally shooting Martina Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue in October 2022.

“This defendant deliberately and selfishly extinguished the life of Martina Thompson, a young mother,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the jury for their time and careful attention to this case, and I thank the investigators and prosecutors for their dedication to getting justice for Martina and her family.”

The evidence at trial established that in the early morning hours of October 29, 2022, surveillance video captured Santiesteban and the victim engaging in a conversation next to Santiesteban’s Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot in Coram. Santiesteban was then seen on video following the victim into a fenced area at the rear of the parking lot. Immediately afterwards, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a gunshot is heard on the video recording, and Santiesteban was captured walking out of the fenced area with a semi-automatic handgun in his hand. Santiesteban then entered his Jeep and left the scene.

At 1:25 a.m., the police found the victim with a gunshot wound to her face, lying in a pool of blood. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue where she was pronounced dead.

On November 2, 2022, police searched Santiesteban’s bedroom pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun. Ballistics testing confirmed the bullet casing found next to the victim’s body came from the gun found in the bedroom.

On June 24, 2024, Santiesteban was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before County Court Judge Anthony Senft:

  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony.

    Santiesteban is due back in court for sentencing on August 1, 2024, and he faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. and Peter Mayer, Esq.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mallek of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Luis Cabrera and Thomas Henry of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Erick Garcia Allegedly Shot and Killed 19-Year-Old Carlos Guillen

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Erick Garcia, 20, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Carlos Guillen, 19, of Bay Shore, during an attempted robbery in October 2022.

“Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of solving homicide cases in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank the detectives here for not giving up and making sure that no victim is overlooked.”

According to the investigation, on October 1, 2022, Garcia allegedly arranged to meet Guillen in a plan devised by Garcia to rob Guillen. When Guillen arrived at the meeting location, Garcia allegedly went into Guillen’s vehicle armed with a firearm and attempted to execute the robbery. Guillen then accelerated with Garcia still inside the vehicle, and Garcia allegedly then shot Guillen. Surveillance video captured Garcia exiting Guillen’s vehicle thereafter, while it was still in motion. Guillen attempted to call 911 but was unable to speak during the call and then crashed his vehicle. He was then transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On November 10, 2022, approximately one month after the shooting, Garcia was arrested in Central Islip on an unrelated case after police allegedly found him in possession of a 9 mm unserialized gun. Garcia was then indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions during the pendency of that case, which is still pending. Garcia is due back in court for that case on May 3, 2024. The gun allegedly recovered from Garcia during the November 2022 arrest is not believed to be connected to the homicide.

Garcia was located by the Suffolk County Police Department on April 11, 2024, and placed under arrest for homicide. On April 12, 2024, Garcia was arraigned on the new indictment before Justice Pilewski, for the following charges:

 Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
 One count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
 One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be remanded during the pendency of the case. Garcia is due back in court on May 31, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

The homicide case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger from the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad. The gun possession case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Laube of the Major Crime Bureau.