Convicted Killer of Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz Found Dead in Prison
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, the gang member convicted of delivering the fatal stab wound that took 15-year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz's life in 2018, was found dead at Coxsackie Correctional Facility in New York. He was 31 years old at the time of his death, with authorities yet to determine the cause.
The Tragic Case That Shocked a City
On June 20, 2018, Lesandro Guzman-Feliz was mistakenly targeted by members of the Trinitarios gang, believed to be a retaliation against a rival faction. The group chased Junior into a Bronx bodega, forcibly pulling him outside where he suffered multiple stab wounds, including a fatal slash to his neck inflicted by Martinez-Estrella.
Despite running to a nearby hospital, Junior collapsed outside, with his last desperate plea being a request for water. His death sent shockwaves through the Bronx community and beyond, sparking an international social media campaign under the hashtag #justiceforjunior.
A Life Tragically Cut Short
Known simply as Junior in his neighborhood, the teenager’s daily life was ordinary—he hung out with friends, played video games like Fortnite and 2K, and had dreams of becoming a detective to protect his city. His family has expressed profound grief and a relentless quest for justice ever since.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Updates
Martinez-Estrella was initially convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole in 2019. However, in March 2023, his conviction on that charge was overturned by an appellate court due to insufficient evidence regarding the intention to torture. He was resentenced in May 2025 on second-degree murder, conspiracy, and gang assault charges, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life with the possibility of parole.
In total, 13 other individuals connected to the attack have been convicted and are serving varying sentences. Some gang members received terms exceeding 20 years to life, while others remain in custody awaiting justice.
Family Impact and Community Response
Junior’s mother has been outspoken against the violence that claimed her son, advocating for safety measures such as panic buttons in neighborhood bodegas. Vigils and memorials have been held regularly, with law enforcement agencies releasing balloons and honoring Junior's memory, acknowledging his involvement in youth outreach programs such as the NYPD Explorer Program.
Speaking at the time of sentencing, Junior’s mother poignantly said, "They killed an innocent child. That night, there were two deaths: Junior and the little piece inside me that died too. My son dreamed of becoming a detective to protect this city. Please ensure his killers never see the light of day."
The End of a Dark Chapter
Martinez-Estrella’s unexpected death in prison adds a new layer to this tragic saga, as the community continues to mourn Junior while grappling with the aftershocks of violence and loss. The investigation into the cause of death remains ongoing.
Junior’s story serves as a somber reminder of the toll of gang violence, the fragility of youth, and the urgent need for continued community support and justice reforms.
