Junior Guzman-Feliz’s gang member convicted in death

Junior Guzman-Feliz’s gang member convicted in death
New York man serving time for stabbing dies in prison facility

Fatal New York death in custody of Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella

A 31-year-old inmate originally from a criminal street gang was found deceased at a correctional institution in New York on Tuesday. Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, who was serving multiple life sentences, passed away at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility while behind bars.

The convicted murderer was involved in the shocking fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy named Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz during a violent confrontation in the Bronx back in 2018. Court officials have not yet officially confirmed the specific cause of Martinez-Estrella’s death.

In May of this year, a judge from the Bronx Supreme Court adjusted Martinez-Estrella’s sentence to be even more severe, extending his prison time from life with some possibility of release to a minimum of 25 years before any potential parole eligibility. Martinez-Estrella’s legal conviction history remains unchanged, with the Court of Appeals upholding his 2023 conviction reduction from first-degree murder but maintaining his second-degree murder conviction along with conspiracy and gang assault charges.

The Bronx District Attorney’s office has announced that other individuals connected to the deadly 2018 incident are still facing prison sentences for their involvement. Martinez-Estrella was specifically responsible for delivering the lethal stab wound to the teenager.

The deadly incident began on the evening of June 20th, 2018, when a group of men with alleged gang ties targeted a bodega patron who was mistakenly identified as a rival gang member. Law enforcement was dispatched to the East 183rd Street location around 11:40 p.m.

Investigators reported that witnesses described a violent altercation outside the store that caused the 15-year-old to suffer serious injuries from a large knife. The teenager managed to reach a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to his wounds shortly after arriving. Medical examiners documented the fatal injury as a severe neck wound.

The victim’s family members expressed deep grief and confusion about the mistaken identity attack. They described their son as a typical teenager with interests in gaming and forming positive relationships with peers.

The shocking incident sparked widespread public outrage and prompted an international social media movement under the #justiceforjunior hashtag. Vigils honoring the teenager have been held annually since his death.

Despite the passage of time, the family continues to advocate for safety reforms and has shared their grief publicly on multiple occasions.

Five individuals were found guilty in relation to the case; one received a life sentence without parole, while the other four were sentenced to lengthy prison terms exceeding 20 years.

The man directly responsible for the fatal wound was initially given a life sentence without possibility of parole. However, during a subsequent court proceeding, authorities discovered an unusual object in his possession that morning.

During his sentencing hearing, the convicted man expressed remorse but claimed his actions were influenced by gang affiliation, substance use, and peer pressure. Four other individuals involved in the crime received similarly harsh penalties.

The victim’s parents delivered powerful emotional statements during sentencing proceedings, emphasizing their profound loss and disappointment. They specifically requested that officials explore measures to improve safety in the community where their son was attacked.

Several memorials have been dedicated in the victim’s honor, including the establishment of a youth development program and advocacy for improved security measures at local businesses.