Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that 12 members of the Trinitarios gang have been indicted in the brutal killing of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz that occurred last month outside a bodega in Belmont. 

“We will not tolerate violence, especially by gangs, on our streets,” said Clark, flanked by prosecutors and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill. “This indictment is an early step in the criminal justice process so I ask the community to be patient as the case takes its course.”

Clark stated that all 12 men, ranging in ages 18 to 29, have been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree conspiracy, first- and second-degree gang assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Five of the men have been charged with first-degree murder, including torture, a rare charge. Among those charged was Diego Suero, 29, the reputed gang leader of the Trinitarios set in the Bronx, according to police.

According to the police investigation, the offenders were part of the “Los Sures,” a subgroup of the Trinitarios. A report by the New York Times states Los Sures were based in Brooklyn and had infiltrated the Bronx. On the evening of Junior’s murder, on June 20, Los Sures planned to commit violence against another subgroup of Trinitarios called “Sunset.” The Times report also states the group had originated from Brooklyn and was in conflict with Los Sures. They came across Junior, mistaking him for another gang member, chasing him several blocks into the bodega in Belmont before dragging him outside and stabbing him to death.

All of the 12 offenders were arraigned this morning and have been remanded. They are due back in court on Oct. 25. If convicted of first-degree murder, the men can face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

O’Neill underscored the role that social media had played in garnering support for the investigation, which prompted in influx of calls to the tip line.

“In every single case, we need all New Yorkers help,” said O’Neill,  “Just like we saw how the good people of the Bronx have helped bring about justice for Junior.”