Bed-Stuy Fatal Stabbing: 4 Gang Members Convicted

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Four gang members were convicted by a two-jury trial of stabbing a 23-year-old man to death and wounding his brother in a robbery attack in Bed-Stuy, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office said Monday. Carmello Bello, 28, and Miguel Bello, 34, of Bed-Stuy; and Javier Ortiz, 35, and Martin Carillo, 36, of Sunset Park, were all convicted of murder and robbery, among other charges, the Brooklyn DA's office said.

One of the convicted attackers threatened the life of the brother who survived while court was in session, according to the Brooklyn DA.

According to trial testimony, on Sept. 7, 2014, at around 1:50 a.m., the four convicted attackers demanded money from the victims — Juan Carlos Luna-Juarez, 23, and his 27-year-old brother — as they returned home from work in Bed-Stuy. The confrontation occurred on Myrtle Avenue between Marcy and Tompkins avenues, cops said. When the brothers refused to give the four men money, the defendants repeatedly punched, kicked and stabbed them, trial testimony alleged. The four convicted attackers stole a bike and backpack from the two brothers, according to testimony.

Juan Carlos Luna-Juarez was stabbed 10 times and died of a stab wound to his heart, according to trial testimony.

"The victims—two innocent and hard-working brothers—courageously stood up against a vicious attack that began as a robbery and ended with one brother’s tragic death. These convictions ensure that these violent defendants are kept off of our streets," Brooklyn DA Eric Adams said.

The four defendants were members of the Ninos Malos gang, according to the Brooklyn DA's office. When they were arrested just a few blocks away from the crime scene shortly after the attack, two of them had blood on their clothing, according to testimony. Investigators later found that the blood belonged to the victims.

Officers found a knife in the pocket of one of the convicted, while two more knives were recovered from the crime scene. Miguel Bello admitted to being at the crime scene and stabbing someone, evidence showed.

The defendants, who face 25 years to life in prison, are set to be sentenced on April 17, 2017.

Photo via public domain