Crime & Safety
17-Year-Old Charged With Murder, Attempted Murder, Weapons Charges: Westchester County DA
The teen, who was 16 years old at the time of the shooting, was charged in connection to his role in the slaying of Omar Bonilla.
YONKERS, NY — A Westchester County teenager has been charged in connection to two shootings, one of which left the victim dead.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that the 17-year old Yonkers resident was indicted for murder, attempted murder and several weapons charges for his role in the two separate Yonkers shootings.
The teenager, who was 16 years old at the time of the incidents, was charged with second-degree murder for his role in the New Year's Day shooting death of Omar Bonilla. The fatal shooting took place on Locust Hill Avenue, at Lafayette Place, in Yonkers.
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The teen was also charged with second-degree attempted murder for his role in another Yonkers shooting, which took place on December 14.
He also faces three separate counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the shootings.
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"When examining the facts surrounding the violent crimes alleged in these indictments, it becomes clear that our most violent criminals are continuing to exploit New York State's 'Raise the Age' law," Cacace said. "The DA's Office will continue to do everything we can to hold these violent, young criminals accountable for their actions however we, as a society, must closely study this issue and, if necessary, adjust our laws for the sake of safety and justice."
The teen was arraigned on May 23, when he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Due to his age, he was remanded to the custody of the Westchester County Department of Corrections at Woodfield Cottage.
In addition, he faces an additional charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon for another Yonkers incident, on April 29, when he was allegedly found in possession of a loaded firearm.
The teen faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life for the murder charge.
This investigation was conducted by the Yonkers Police Department, and the case is being prosecuted by the DA's Office's Homicide Bureau and Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau.
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