Teen-Age Defendant in Killing of Anti-Drug Journalist Goes on Trial

Strategic Insights -

Prosecutor Eric Friedberg delivered his closing argument in the trial of Wilson Alejandro Mejia Velez, a 19-year-old accused of murdering Manuel de Dios, a crusading anti-drug journalist. The two-week trial has revealed that the murder was allegedly ordered by a Colombian drug cartel leader, Jose Santacruz Londono, due to Mr. de Dios's articles exposing the cartel's activities. Prosecution witnesses, including two conspirators who have pleaded guilty, claim that Mejia Velez was the gunman who killed Mr. de Dios in a Queens restaurant. However, defense attorney Susan Kellman argues that Mejia Velez was framed and that the actual gunman was one of the conspirators. The jury will continue to deliberate on the case, with Mejia Velez facing up to life in prison if found guilty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The murder of Manuel de Dios, a 48-year-old anti-drug journalist, was allegedly ordered by a Colombian drug cartel leader, Jose Santacruz Londono, due to Mr. de Dios's articles exposing the cartel's activities.
  • Wilson Alejandro Mejia Velez, a 19-year-old accused of being the gunman, faces up to life in prison if found guilty.
  • Prosecution witnesses claim that Mejia Velez was paid $4,500 to carry out the killing, and that he was driven to the restaurant and waited in a car while he carried out the killing and ran back to the car.
  • Defense attorney Susan Kellman argues that Mejia Velez was framed and that the actual gunman was one of the conspirators.
  • The prosecution has presented evidence that includes witness testimony, physical descriptions of the gunman, and corroboration from other witnesses.
  • Defense attorney Kellman points out inconsistencies in the testimony of prosecution witnesses and argues that they have reason to lie about Mejia Velez's involvement.

Statistics:

  • Manuel de Dios was 48 years old when he was killed.
  • The trial lasted for two weeks, with the prosecution presenting its case and the defense arguing that Mejia Velez was framed.
  • Wilson Alejandro Mejia Velez will turn 19 years old today.
  • The prosecution claims that Mejia Velez was paid $4,500 to carry out the killing.
  • The witness who described the gunman as about 5 feet 10 and thin has been identified as John Gajewski, who is "partially blind".
  • The jury deliberated for 2 hours before being dismissed for the night.

Sources:

  • New York Times
  • "Federal District Court in Brooklyn"
  • "assistant United States attorney, Eric Friedberg"
  • " defense attorney, Susan Kellman"
  • "Elkin Farley Salazar"
  • "Jose James Benitez"
  • "Adam Fernandez for The New York Times"