On Wednesday afternoon, 15-year-old Lesandro Guzman-Feliz was brutally murdered by a gang of men in a fatal case of mistaken identity. In the CCTV footage of the crime, Guzman-Feliz can be seen being dragged by the gang out of a shop before being hacked to death in the streets.
It's reported that the men were from the Trinitarios gang and it's believed that they killed Guzman-Feliz, who was commonly known as Junior, in a case of mistaken identity over a sex tape.
According to the New York Post, NYPD has made five arrests in connection with the attack. Kevin Alvarez, one of the men involved, has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and gang assault.
In a statement the New York Police Department said: "The Department has identified multiple suspects and is in the process of interviewing some of them at this time. Initial arrests have been made, and more are anticipated.
"The NYPD thanks the public for the outpouring of tips in this case and encourages people to continue to come forward if they have information to share. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and confirmed."
Junior was enrolled in the NYPD Explorers programme at the time of his death and had dreams of becoming a full-time police officer when he grew up. Following his death, a GoFundMe page was set up for the family and it has so far raised $148,000 of a $15,000 target.
One of the major contributors to the cause was rapper Cardi B. The chart-topper, who also comes from the Bronx, donated $8,000 under her real name of Belcalis Almanzar.
Cardi also took to her Instagram account to raise awareness for the incident, saying: "The Bronx streets are ruthless. What p**s me off the most is that these BX cops be harassing the s**t outta people, then they see a boy bleeeding to death and ask what happen?
"Uuuummm how bout you call the ambulance like ya be calling for back up when ya see n***as smoking in front of a building! People be like 'call the police! Call the police!' but for what the operators be asking you questions for like four minutes on the phone with an attitude and the cops come maaalateee".
Cardi wasn't the only celebrity to take to social media to talk about the murder. Rihanna also paid a touching tribute to the boy, posting: "Can't stop thinking about this poor baby boy, and how his family must feel right now! I'm sincerely praying for your healing and #justiceforjunior."
The New York Post reports that the Trinitarios "top leader" had got in touch with Guzman's family to apologise for the murder, admitting that they got the wrong guy. According to Derek Grullon, 19, who is in a relationship with Guzman's sister, the leader sent a Snapchat message in which he apologised for the mistake.
No doubt his apology will do nothing to ease the family's pain, and our thoughts are with those affected by the incident.
