JURY CONVICTS TWO BRONX MEN OF MANSLAUGHTER IN THE FATAL BEATING DEATH OF A THIRTY SEVEN YEAR OLD MAN

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that Luis Pinales 22, and Rafael Quezada, 24, of the Bronx, have been convicted of manslaughter in the fatal beating of a thirty seven year old man.

A jury found Pinales, of 595 Trinity Avenue, and Quezada, of 1645 Grand Avenue, guilty of one count of Manslaughter in the 1st degree in the death of Washington "Daniel" Rojas in July 2003. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Seth Marvin set sentencing for Thursday, April 13, 2006 in Part T27. Pinales and Quezada each face a maximum term of up to twenty five years imprisonment.

A third defendant, Jacob Reyes, a predicate felon, was found guilty of Manslaughter in the 1st degree last February. Reyes is facing a maximum term of up to twenty five years imprisonment when he appears for sentencing before State Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus on Monday, April 3, 2006 in Part T13.

The deadly incident, according to testimony, began just after midnight on July 9, 2003, when an eyewitness observed Pinales, Quezada and Reyes, along with three other unapprehended individuals, drag Rojas out of his building by his feet and into the court yard of 1667 Grand Avenue. The eyewitness further testified that the defendants punched, kicked, and banged the victim's head on the pavement. The beating continued as the defendants then dragged Rojas out of the courtyard and onto Grand Avenue and 174th Street. The assailants fled shortly before police arrived and were arrested four days later on July 13, 2003.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney's Suzanne Mc Elwreath and Daniel Solinsky of the Trial Division.