3 Men Kidnapped Man In Suffolk, Killed Him: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Three men were indicted on murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the slaying of a man in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Friday.

Gustavo Hernandez, 38, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo, 19, and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, 18, each from Farmingdale, were charged with second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and second-degree attempted kidnapping, the DA said.

The three men were accused of participating in the abduction and killing of Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, 48, of Amityville, prosecutors said. The victim does not have any known familial relationship to the defendants, the DA's Office said.

"The allegations in this indictment are deeply disturbing," Tierney said in a news release. "The brazen nature of this alleged crime, occurring in a public place during daylight hours, shocks the conscience and undermines our sense of community. This indictment is our first step in pursuing justice for Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo and his family."

On the evening of June 21, Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo was walking on Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale when he was seen by the three men, who were in a blue Isuzu Rodeo, investigators said.

Video surveillance shows the trio exiting the car, attacking Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, and trying to drag him toward the Isuzu, authorities said. A passing motorist thwarted them, and Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo escaped to a gas station across the street, officials said.

The three men followed Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo to the gas station, prosecutors said. Video surveillance showed the Jeronimo brothers covering their faces and then, along with their uncle, Hernandez, beating the man, knocking him to the ground, choking him, and violently forcing him into the trunk of the Isuzu, investigators said.

The abduction was caught on video surveillance and occurred at a gas station in broad daylight, the DA said.

After forcing Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo into the trunk of the SUV, the trio drove to Belmont Lake
State Park, and then back to Farmingdale where surveillance video captured them dumpingthe man's body on a residential street, authorities said.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office stated that Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo suffered numerous injuries including, but not limited to, asphyxia because of neck compression, severe blunt force trauma of the abdomen, and what appeared to be a stab wound to his upper chest, the DA said.

The charges of second-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping each have a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, the DA said. Second-degree attempted kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, Tierney said.

All three men were ordered remanded without bail while their case pends.

The defendants are due back in court on Sept. 10. Hernandez is being represented by Christopher Gioe; Walter Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Jonathan Manley; and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Katherine Fernandez.

Manley did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Gioe said Gustavo Hernandez pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial.

"He is maintaining his innocence," Gioe told Patch. "We are waiting for the prosecution to serve a copy of his discovery and the evidence they intend to use against him in order for us to mount a defense. Unfortunately, he was remanded to the custody of the Suffolk County Sheriff without bail so he will be required to prepare his defense from jail custody."

Fernandez offered no further comment as of Friday afternoon.