The masterminds of a gruesome 2018 murder of a 15-year-old in the Bronx were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday.

Diego Suero and Frederick Then, who prosecutors say ordered the murder, were leaders in the Trinitarios gang.

Leandra Feliz, the mother of the murdered Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, has waited more than 1,000 days for a day like Friday.

“It’s so good to have justice for Junior,” said Feliz.


What You Need To Know

  • Diego Suero and Frederick Then were sentenced for 25 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of "Junior" Guzman-Feliz

  • Seven people have now been convicted in that 2018 murder

  • Prosecutors say Junior was killed in a case of mistaken identity

On June 20, 2018, Junior was brutally murdered by five members of the Trinitarios gang. They chased after Junior, who was running for his life for nearly a quarter mile.

Prosecutors say Junior reaching a bodega at 183rd and Bathgate in the Bronx, but the men running after Junior, dragged him out and killed him with machetes.

Prosecutors believe it was a case of mistaken identity.

“A mother here has been hurt. She will never see her son again,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

All five who attacked Junior were arrested and convicted in his murder three years ago. That makes seven now behind bars for Junior’s murder.

“They got what they deserved,” said Clark.

It doesn’t take away the hole in Leandra Feliz’s heart. The lifetime of memories snatched from her by a Bronx gang for no reason.

Junior had wanted to grow up to be a police officer and spent time in the NYPD Explorers program.

Clark said this latest verdict carries a message.

“Those who choose gang life need to know that this is where it ends. State prison for the rest of your life,” she said.