JURY CONVICTS TWO MEN CHARGED WITH KILLING A TEENAGED INMATE AT THE ADOLESCENT RECEPTION DETENTION CENTER ON RIKERS ISLAND

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a jury has found two men guilty in the beating death of 17 year old Matthew Velez at the Adolescent Reception Detention Center on Rikers Island in January 2000.

Dale Milner, 19, of 8201 Rockaway Boulevard, Queens was convicted of Manslaughter in the 2nd degree and Randy Walton, 19, of 3475 Bivona Avenue, the Bronx, was convicted of Criminally negligent homicide.

Acting State Supreme Court Justice William Donnino set sentencing for Thursday, May 23, 2002 in Part T8. Milner is facing a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment and Walton is facing a maximum term of 4 years imprisonment.

Velez, who was awaiting trial on a drug charge, was found unconscious in his cell on January 31, 2000 and died five days later at Elmhurst General Hospital Center. His death was the result of a gang related dispute. Milner and Walton were both awaiting trial on robbery charges when they killed Velez. In the robbery case, Milner pleaded guilty to Robbery in the 1st degree and is currently awaiting sentence. Walton is serving 5 years on the robbery charges.

Assistant District Attorneys Richard Best and Ginger James are prosecuting the case.