Lesandro “Junior” Guzman‑Feliz: Remembering a Bronx Teen in the Headlines

On May 31, 2025, Jonaiki Martinez‑Estrella—one of the convicted killers of 15‑year‑old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman‑Feliz—was re‑sentenced to 25 years to life, after a New York appellate court vacated his original first‑degree murder conviction. This development reignited national attention on Junior’s tragic death, a case that shook New York and triggered the viral #JusticeForJunior movement.

The Impactful Re‑Sentencing 

What Changed in the Legal Ruling?

The appellate court determined that the elements required to sustain a first‑degree murder charge were insufficient, although Martinez‑Estrella’s second‑degree murder conviction remained intact. The result: his sentence was reduced from life without parole to 25 years to life behind bars—marking a pivotal moment of reflection for justice, families, and communities alike.

Facts at a Glance:

A Closer Look: Why the Appellate Decision Matters

• Legal distinction: First‑degree murder requires premeditation or intent to kill, a higher bar than second‑degree. The appeal court found that evidence did not conclusively support it.

• Sentence implications: While life without parole is off the table, 25 years to life ensures long-term incarceration, reflecting the enduring severity of the crime.

• Community reactions: Advocates and family stress the importance of this sentence in preventing gang violence and honoring Junior’s memory.

The Story of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman‑Feliz

Lesandro “Junior” Guzman‑Feliz was born on November 11, 2002. He was a Dominican-American sophomore at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School and an active member of the NYPD Law Enforcement Explorers Program, dreaming of becoming a detective.

On June 20, 2018, after leaving his apartment to repay a friend, he encountered four cars carrying members of the Trinitarios gang who believed he was with a rival faction. They chased him across Belmont, dragging him into a bodega on East 183rd Street and Bathgate Avenue, where they stabbed him with knives and a machete. Junior was able to flee to St. Barnabas Hospital but perished shortly after.

Memorial, Prosecutions & Tributes 

Following the brutal attack, the Bronx erupted in grief, solidarity, and calls for justice:

1. Wake & funeral: Hundreds gathered outside a Bronx funeral home. His pallbearers wore New York Yankees jerseys, a nod to his favorite team.

2. #JusticeForJunior: Viral online campaign led by celebrities like Cardi B, Rihanna, and Carmelo Anthony, raising tens of thousands via GoFundMe.

3. Scholarships and honors: NYPD funded a scholarship in his name. The corner was renamed “Lesandro Junior Guzman‑Feliz Way” in February 2019.

4. Community safety: Enhanced safety measures in bodegas, including panic-button installations and the creation of “safe haven” pilot sites.

The Courtroom Chronicles

• 2019 Convictions: Five members were convicted of first- and second-degree murder, gang assault, and conspiracy.

• Sentences passed:

  • Jonaiki Martinez‑Estrella: Life without parole

  • Jose Muniz, Elvin Garcia, Antonio Rodriguez: 25 years to life

  • Manuel Rivera: 23 years to life.

• 2022–2025 Resentencing: Gang leaders Diego Suero & Frederick Then each received 25 years to life; in May 2025, Martinez‑Estrella’s original life sentence was modified to the same term.

• Remaining defendants: 13 other gang members have been convicted or have pleaded guilty, with sentences spanning decades.

What This Means Today

• Justice system ripple: The recent re-sentencing highlights limitations in evidence required for first-degree murder and the cascading legal impacts on similar cases.

• Lessons learned:

  • Communities witness how viral images can amplify the call for justice.

  • Advocates point to reforms like panic buttons in small businesses and defusing gang violence with public support.

• A mother's crusade: Leandra Feliz continues pushing for teenage protections, including “Junior’s Law” mandating panic buttons in bodegas.

Core Events in Junior’s Story

• Born November 11, 2002 → Bronx teen, NYPD Explorer, dreamt of policing.

• June 20, 2018 → Chased, dragged, stabbed in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

• Late June 2018 → Wake, GoFundMe campaign launched by Cardi B.

• June 14, 2019 → Five members convicted.

• February 2019 → Street co-named “Lesandro Junior Guzman‑Feliz Way”.

• October 2019 → Sentences of life and multi-decade terms.

• September 2022 → Two gang leaders sentenced.

• May 2025 → Martinez‑Estrella resentenced to 25 years to life.

Final Reflections 

Lesandro “Junior” Guzman‑Feliz’s story is not just one of senseless violence—it’s a testament to community resilience, digital-age advocacy, and evolving jurisprudence. The May 2025 resentencing isn’t merely a legal update; it reopens public reflection on why such radical measures are needed to deter future tragedies.

As we revisit this story—marked by hashtags, scholarship funds, and courtrooms—what remains clear is that Junior’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to safeguard youths in underserved neighborhoods. His dream of joining the NYPD may have been cut short, but his memory endures, reminding us all that justice must be equal parts swift, thoughtful, and preventive.