Man Extradited From Panama For 2023 Fatal Shooting, Killed Teen: DA

BROOKLYN, NY — An 18-year-old man has been extradited from Panama and returned to Brooklyn to faces charges for the murder of a 15-year-old boy, prosecutors announced.

Leopoldo Nash Montoya fled to Panama after fatally shooting Foridun Maulonou on July 17, 2023, in Bensonhurst, prosecutors said.

Montoya was arrested in Panama on June 5 and returned to Brooklyn on June 27.

He has been charged with second degree murder, second degree attempted murder, attempted gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, among others, prosecutors said.

If convicted, Montoya faces up to 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.

Maulonou suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the back and was transported to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition at the time of the incident. He succumbed to his injuries the following day on July 18, 2023, and was pronounced dead, police said.

“This defendant was returned to Brooklyn from Panama and will now be brought to justice for allegedly killing Faridun Mavlonov, who was just 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him," District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement. "Hopefully this prosecution will bring some solace to Faridun’s heartbroken family and friends.”

Montoya's next court appearance is scheduled on July 3.