Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, also known as Junior, was a 15-year-old boy from the Bronx who dreamed of becoming a police officer. He was a member of the NYPD’s Explorers program, a group for youths interested in a law enforcement career. He was also a beloved son, brother, friend, and student who had a bright future ahead of him.
But on June 20, 2018, Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s life was cut short in a horrific and senseless act of violence. He was chased, dragged, and attacked by a group of men outside a bodega in the Belmont area of the Bronx. The men stabbed him with knives and hacked him with a machete, leaving him with multiple wounds all over his body. The most fatal wound was a stab wound to the neck, which severed his jugular vein and caused him to bleed to death.
Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s murder shocked and outraged the community and the nation, partly because the brutal attack was caught on surveillance video and partly because the attackers were allegedly members of a notorious gang who mistook him for a rival. The case sparked a massive outcry for justice and a movement to end gang violence. It also raised questions about the medical response and the role of the bodega owner, who was criticized for not doing enough to help Junior.
The Autopsy Report
Dr. Sophia Rodriguez testified as the prosecution’s final witness in the trial of five defendants who were charged with first-degree murder, among other charges, for Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s death. She presented the autopsy report and the graphic photos of Junior’s wounds to the jury, causing gasps and tears in the courtroom.
According to the autopsy report, Junior’s cause of death was a stab wound to the neck, which was classified as a homicide. The report also noted multiple other injuries, including cuts and bruises, indicating a sustained and brutal attack.
Dr. Rodriguez explained that the 4 1/2 inch deep knife cut through muscle, veins, and tissue as it traveled laterally across Junior’s neck, severing his jugular vein. This stab wound to the neck was determined to be the cause of death. There were audible gasps in the courtroom as the brutal injury was detailed.
Dr. Rodriguez also described the other wounds that Lesandro Guzman-Feliz suffered, such as:
- A stab wound to the chest, which penetrated the lung and the heart, causing internal bleeding.
- A stab wound to the back, which perforated the kidney and the spleen, causing more internal bleeding.
- A slash wound to the face, which extended from the left cheek to the right ear, exposing the jawbone and the teeth.
- A slash wound to the left arm, which cut through the muscle and the nerve, causing nerve damage and loss of function.
- A slash wound to the right hand, which injured the tendons and the bones, causing deformity and disability.
- A slash wound to the left leg, which cut through the skin and the muscle, causing pain and swelling.
- Multiple superficial wounds to the back, the chest, the legs, and the hands, which were consistent with being dragged and defending himself.
Dr. Rodriguez said that the wounds on the back and the legs were inflicted by a sharp object, possibly a knife, while the wounds on the face, the arm, and the hand were inflicted by a blunt object, possibly a machete. She also said that the wounds on the hands were considered to be defensive wounds, where Lesandro Guzman-Feliz put his hands up to protect his face.
Dr. Rodriguez estimated that Junior lost about 40% of his blood volume due to the stab wound to the neck and the other injuries. She said that it was possible that if pressure was applied to the wound and he was brought to the hospital earlier, he could have survived. However, she also said that the wound was very severe and that the chances of survival were low.
Profile Overview
| Name | Lesandro Guzman-Feliz |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Junior |
| Date of birth | November 11, 2002 |
| Date of death | June 20, 2018 |
| Age at death | 15 |
| Place of birth | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Place of death | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Cause of death | Stab wound to the neck |
| Manner of death | Homicide |
| Ethnicity | Dominican-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Occupation | Student |
| Education | Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School |
| Career goal | Police officer |
| Affiliation | NYPD Explorers Program |
| Murderers | 14 members of the Trinitarios gang |
| Motive | Mistaken identity |
| Trial | Five defendants convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole; seven defendants pleaded guilty to various charges and sentenced to 16 to 25 years in prison; two defendants awaiting trial |
| Legacy | Inspired several initiatives and reforms to prevent gang violence and help victims; honored by the NYPD and the community; tributed by celebrities, artists, and influencers; featured in documentaries, books, and songs |
| Links | Instagram- @heartbroken.for.junior Homepage- Newsunzip |
The Attack and the Trial
Junior’s death was the result of a tragic case of mistaken identity, according to the prosecutors. They said that the attackers were members of the Trinitarios, a violent Dominican gang, who were looking for a rival gang member who had allegedly shot one of their leaders. They said that they mistook Lesandro Guzman-Feliz for the target, who wore similar clothes and had a similar haircut.
The attack happened around 11:40 p.m. on June 20, 2018, when Lesandro was walking home from a friend’s house. He stopped by a bodega on East 183rd Street and Bathgate Avenue to buy a soda, when he was spotted by a group of men in a car. The men got out of the car and chased him , who ran back to the bodega, seeking help. The bodega owner, Modesto Cruz, tried to hide Junior behind the counter, but the men forced their way in and dragged Junior outside. They then proceeded to stab and slash him with knives and a machete, as he struggled to defend himself.
The whole attack lasted about 20 seconds and was captured by multiple surveillance cameras. The video showed Junior running to a nearby hospital, clutching his neck and leaving a trail of blood. He collapsed on the sidewalk, where he was pronounced dead.
The police arrested 14 suspects in connection with the murder, 12 of whom were indicted on various charges, including murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, gang assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. Five of them were charged with first-degree murder, which includes torture, and faced life in prison without parole. The other seven were charged with second-degree murder and faced 25 years to life in prison.
The trial of the five defendants began on May 6, 2019, and lasted for six weeks. The prosecution presented evidence and witnesses, including the medical examiner, the police officers, the bodega owner, and his mother, Leandra Feliz. The defense argued that their clients did not intend to kill Junior, that they acted under duress or in self-defense, and that they were not the ones who delivered the fatal wound.
On June 14, 2019, the jury found all five defendants guilty of first-degree murder, as well as the other charges. They were sentenced on October 11, 2019, to life in prison without parole. The other seven defendants pleaded guilty to various charges and received sentences ranging from 16 years to 25 years in prison.
The Aftermath and the Legacy
Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked a massive outcry for justice and a movement to end gang violence. Thousands of people attended his funeral, where he was honored by the NYPD and the Explorers program. His family and friends launched the #JusticeForJunior campaign, which raised awareness and funds for his case and his legacy.
His mother, Leandra Feliz, became an advocate for victims of violence and a voice for change. She also created the Lesandro Guzman-Feliz Foundation, which provides scholarships and support for young people who want to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Junior’s death also inspired several initiatives and reforms, such as:
- The Safe Haven program, which trains bodega owners and other businesses to provide shelter and assistance to people in danger.
- The Junior’s Law, which requires small businesses to have first aid kits and panic buttons that connect to 911.
- TheLesandro Guzman-Feliz’s Way, which renames the street where Junior was killed in his honor.
- The Junior’s Corner, which dedicates a corner of the hospital where he died to his memory.
- His Bridge, which connects the Bronx and Manhattan and symbolizes the unity and resilience of the community.
Junior’s death also touched the hearts and minds of many celebrities, artists, and influencers, who paid tribute to him and his family. Some of them include:
- Cardi B, who donated $8,000 to Junior’s GoFundMe page and visited his family.
- Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, who invited his sister to the MTV Video Music Awards and dedicated a song to Junior during their concert.
- Romeo Santos, who performed a song in honor of Junior at his concert and met with his family.
- Carmelo Anthony, who visited his mural and wore a shirt with his name.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tweeted his condolences and support for Junior’s family.
Lesandro Guzman-Feliz’s story also inspired several documentaries, books, and songs, such as:
- Outrage: The Story of his, a documentary by PIX11 that follows the case and the trial.
- Justice for Junior, a documentary by BET that explores the impact and the legacy of his death.
- The Boy Who Touched the Stars, a book by Jose M. Hernandez that tells the story of his life and dreams.
- Justice for Junior, a song by Don Q and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie that pays tribute to Lesandro Guzman and calls for an end to violence.
- I’m Not a Monster, a song by Fat Joe and Dre that features his mother and honors his memory.
His death was a tragedy that shook the world, but also a catalyst that sparked a movement. His life and his legacy will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a hero, a martyr, and an inspiration.
| Injury | Description | Severity | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stab wound to the neck | A 4 1/2 inch deep knife wound that cut through muscle, veins, and tissue, severing the jugular vein | Fatal | Blood loss and lack of oxygen |
| Defensive wounds on hands | Cuts and bruises caused by a sharp object, possibly a knife, where Junior tried to protect his face | Non-fatal | Attackers |
| Wounds on back and legs | Abrasions and lacerations consistent with being dragged on the pavement | Non-fatal | Attackers |
| Wounds on face and chest | Superficial cuts and scratches | Non-fatal | Attackers |
