Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella, one of the men convicted in the brutal 2018 killing of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, was found dead in his prison cell at Coxsackie Correctional Facility, according to PIX 11 News.
Authorities confirmed that Martinez-Estrella was discovered unresponsive around 1:16 p.m. on Friday. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
Martinez-Estrella had been serving a sentence of 25 years to life with the possibility of parole after being found guilty of second-degree murder in Guzman-Feliz’s death.
The Santa Barbara County Detention and Correctional Facility on June 12, 2005 in Santa Barbara, California.
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His conviction stems from the June 20, 2018, incident that shocked New York City and garnered national attention. The 15-year-old was chased by members of the Trinitarios gang into a Bronx bodega and viciously attacked with knives and machetes in a case of mistaken identity.
Originally, in 2019, Martinez-Estrella was sentenced to life without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder. However, in May 2025, following a resentencing process, his conviction was downgraded to second-degree murder, making him eligible for parole.
Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForJunior gaining traction across social media and prompting citywide demonstrations and tributes.
19 year old inmate James looks out of the window of the Young Offenders Institution attached to Norwich Prison on August 25, 2005 in Norwich, England.
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Martinez-Estrella’s death in custody has reignited conversations around prison safety and the long-term consequences of violent crime. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has yet to release further details.
One official close to the investigation stated, “The circumstances surrounding the death of Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella remain under review as part of standard procedure.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson added, “Out of respect for the family of the deceased and due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Prisoners at HMP (Her Majesty’s Prison) Pentonville walk through an atrium May 19, 2003 in London. The Chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers will, in a report publishing her unannounced follow-up inspection report, announce that the prison is failing to provide basic standards of decency and activity.
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