Nearly seven years after the brutal murder of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz inside a Bronx bodega, Jonikei Martinez Estraa has been resentenced in the case. The resentencing hearing brought renewed pain for Junior’s family, particularly his mother, Leandra Feliz, who stated that the proceedings forced her to relive the trauma of losing her son and to re-watch the surveillance video capturing the horrific crime.
Estraa was initially sentenced to life without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder. However, an appellate court agreed with his appeal, finding that prosecutors had not sufficiently proven the charge of first-degree murder. As a result, Estraa was resentenced to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
During the resentencing hearing, Junior’s mother and sister delivered emotional victim impact statements. Leandra Feliz emphasized the devastating impact of her son’s death, stating, “They should be in prison forever,” and describing Junior as an “innocent kid.”
The defense attorney argued for leniency, citing Estraa’s low IQ and diminished cognitive skills. The prosecution countered this argument, pointing out that Estraa could attend school, hold a job, join a gang, and ultimately commit the murder.