Westchester Man Gets 18 Years to Life in 2025 Slaying Of Acquaintance

"We wake each morning hoping this is a nightmare, only to face the reality that our son is gone forever," the victim's parents said.

By Jeff Edwards, Patch Staff

Jul 17, 2026 2:46 pm EDT | Updated Jul 17, 2026 5:18 pm EDT

YONKERS, NY — There was a measure of justice this week in a White Plains courtroom.

A Yonkers man was sentenced in White Plains to 18 years to life in state prison after pleading guilty in the 2025 shooting death of an acquaintance, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. Fidencio Abreu, 42, was sentenced yesterday on a conviction for second-degree murder.

Abreu was also sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison as a persistent violent felony offender for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. According to the district attorney's office, the sentences will run concurrently.

In May, Abreu pleaded guilty.

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The charges stemmed from the July 11, 2025 killing of 35-year-old Francisco Vallejo. Following a dispute, Abreu shot Vallejo, described as an acquaintance, in the head with a semi-automatic pistol, causing his death.

"No amount of time spent in prison by this defendant will be able to bring back the Vallejo family’s son, their brother, their cousin," Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said. "All of their lives have been indelibly changed due to the despicable actions of Fidencio Abreu. We pray that this sentencing will offer some solace for the Vallejo family."

The victim's family also shared a statement that was read aloud in court by Bureau Chief Brian Bendish.

"There is no greater pain a parent can endure than losing a son," the family told the court. "Every day since Francisco was taken from us has been filled with sorrow that never leaves. His bedroom, his belongings, his voice in our memories and the empty chair at every family gathering remind us that our family will never be whole again. We wake each morning hoping this is a nightmare, only to face the reality that our son is gone forever."

The case was investigated by the Yonkers Police Department, according to the announcement. It was prosecuted by Homicide Bureau Chief Brian Bendish and Cold Case Bureau Chief Daniel Flecha.