BRONX TEEN CONVICTED OF MURDER IN THE DEATH OF A FELLOW KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 16 year-old Bronx youth has been convicted of murder in the stabbing death of 18 year-old Delano Ashman.

Joseph Martinez, of 31 West Mosholu Parkway, pled guilty to 1 count of Intentional Murder in the 2nd degree. Acting State Supreme Court Justice John S. Moore set sentencing for June 26, 2003 in Part JV. Martinez will be sentenced as a juvenile offender to a term of five years to life imprisonment.

The stabbing occurred the morning of August 8, 2002 following a weeklong dispute involving the defendant’s sister. As Martinez left the school, the victim and his friend were entering the building. Words were exchanged and the group began to fight. In a written confession, Martinez admitted that he brought a knife to school and stabbed Ashman outside of John F. Kennedy High School. As Martinez fled, a group of people ran after him and restrained him until the police arrived.

Senior Trial Assistant district Attorney Allen P. Karen is prosecuting this case.