5 Arrested In Bronx Teen's Stabbing; Gang Apologizes: Reports

BRONX, NY — Five attackers were reportedly arrested in connection with the brutal stabbing death of a 15-year-old boy who was dragged out of a Bronx bodega. Leandra Feliz told WCBS-TV her son Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, aka Junior, left their apartment Wednesday night 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. He ran to a local hospital and later died of his injuries, according to reports.

One of the alleged attackers, 19-year-old Kevin Alvarez, was charged with murder, manslaughter, assault and gang assault, the NYPD said Sunday night.

Family members told media outlets that a local street gang reached out and said they meant to attack someone else. The New York Post, citing police sources, reported that investigators think the Trinitarios gang could be involved in the stabbing.

Derek Grullon, the 19-year-old boyfriend of Lesandro's sister, 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.

“I’m sorry,” one message said, according to Grullon.“I know it doesn’t mean a lot. It wasn’t supposed to be him."

The Post reported, citing sources, that two suspects were arrested in the Bronx. Three others were arrested in Paterson, New Jersey.

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 $114,000.

Photo credit: GoFundMe