A Bronx guy was sentenced to life in jail on Tuesday for the murder-for-hire killing of a mafia-linked daddy.
Juan “Junior” Guzman, 27, was condemned of second-degree murder, criminal ownership of a weapon, and conspiracy in the February 2018 shooting death of Michael Meldish, a previous gang leader.
Meldish was discovered dropped over the wheel of his vehicle, parked along with the Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx, with a gunshot injury to the head.
The prosecution argued that Guzman was paid $5,000 to perform the killing by a guy called Angelo Nesimi, who was apparently employed by Meldish’s brother-in-law.
Guzman’s defense lawyer argued that the proof was circumstantial which there was no conclusive evidence that his customer was the shooter.
But in the end, the jury discovered Guzman guilty and sentenced him to life in jail without the possibility of parole.
Nesimi was likewise charged with murder in the event however was acquitted in May of this year.
Meldish’s child, Maria Meldish, stated she was alleviated by the decision, however it not did anything to reduce the discomfort of losing her daddy.
” My daddy was an excellent male and a caring dad. He was removed from us in a harsh and ridiculous method, and absolutely nothing will ever bring him back,” she stated.
The case accentuated the mafia-linked underworld of the Bronx, which has actually seen a revival over the last few years.
Meldish was a previous leader of the infamous “Purple Gang,” which was active in the 1990 s and 2000 s and was understood for its links to the mob.
Guzman’s sentence works as a cautioning to those who participate in violent criminal activity, stated Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.
” This sentence sends out a strong message that tries to settle ratings through murder-for-hire will not be endured,” she stated. “We will bring those accountable to justice and make certain they are held liable.”
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