GRAND JURY INDICTS BRONX MAN ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR THE ATTACK OF ICE CREAM TRUCK OWNERS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a grand jury has charged a 51 year-old man with the attempted murder of the owner / operators of an ice cream truck last March.

A grand jury charges Fernando Esparza, of 645 Barretto Street, the Bronx, with 2 counts of Attempted Murder in the 2^nd degree, 2 counts of Assault in the 1^st degree, 1 count of Attempted Assault in the 1^st degree, Assault in the 2^nd degree and 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4^th degree, in the severe beating of Luis and Juana, (Jenny) Marrero, and their granddaughter Dominique Donofrio.

If convicted of the most serious charge of attempted murder Esparza faces a maximum term of up to 25 years imprisonment. Esparza will be arraigned on this indictment on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 in Part A. The case against co-defendant Librada Veron, is still pending grand jury action.

The charges against Esparza alone stem from his alleged actions on March 27, 2004 as the Marrero’s and their granddaughter returned to the truck depot in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. According to court papers, Esparza was observed striking Juana Marrero in the face and head with an orange object. It is further alleged that Esparza also struck Luis Marrero in the head with the same object. An eyewitness stated that the defendants then approached Donofrio, who was allegedly struck across the face by Esparza with the orange object.

The Marrero’s sustained numerous skull fractures, which required emergency treatment. Juana Marrero is still in the hospital recovering from her injuries.

Assistant District Attorney Ivan B. Okun of the Trial Bureau is prosecuting this case.