12th Suspect In Killing Of Bronx Teen Stopped In Ct: Police

SOUTHBURY, CT — A murder suspect wanted for the killing of an innocent Bronx teen was picked up at a motor vehicle stop on Interstate 84 in Southbury, Connecticut, Monday afternoon, StatePolice said. At 2:36 p.m., troopers conducted a motor vehicle stop on I-84 eastbound near exit 13 in Southbury.

Several people were in the vehicle. It was the driver police suspect is the 12th suspect in the Bronx homicide of 15 year-old Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz, State Police said.

He was detained by troopers and the NYPD has responded to CT to continue their investigation, said Kelly Grant, who is the State Police spokeswoman.

Eleven people have been arrested thus far in connection with the brutal stabbing death of Guzman-Feliz last month after he was dragged out of a Bronx bodega. His mother Leandra Feliz told WCBS-TV her son, known as Junior, left their apartment to loan someone money.

Surveillance video shows the suspects enter the Belmont bodega, located at Bathgate Avenue and East 183rd. The boy is dragged out onto the street and stabbed multiple times in the neck, CBS New York reports. He ran to a local hospital and later died of his injuries, according to reports.

Family members told media outlets that a local street gang reached out and said they meant to attack someone else. A family member told The Post a gang leader apologized to the family, admitted it was a case of mistaken identity and kicked out all the gang members over the killing.

Lesandro had been reportedly enrolled in the NYPD's explorer's program, which is intended for youths and young adults interested in a future with the police force.

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help out with funeral and other costs. It has raised more than $334,000.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for more updates. It was written by Patch Editor Brian McCready and Patch Editor Dan Hampton contributed.

Photo credit: GoFundMe