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

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 19 year-old Bronx man has been convicted of manslaughter in the fatal beating of a thirty seven year old man.

Jacob Reyes, of 1069 Grand Avenue, was found guilty of one count of Manslaughter in the 1st degree for killing Washington "Daniel" Rojas in July 2003. State Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus set sentencing for Thursday, March 2, 2006 in Part T13. Reyes, a predicate felony offender, is facing a maximum term of twenty five years imprisonment.

Co-defendants Luis Pinales, 22, of 595 Trinity Avenue, the Bronx, and Rafael Quezada, 24, of 1645 Grand Avenue, the Bronx, are currently awaiting trial. Each defendant has been charged with one count of Murder in the 2nd degree, and Manslaughter in the 1st degree. If convicted of the most serious charge of murder, Pinales and Quezada each face a maximum term of twenty five year's to life imprisonment.

The deadly incident, according to testimony, began just after midnight on July 9, 2003, when an eyewitness observed Reyes, allegedly with Pinales and Quezada, and three other unapprehended individuals, pull Rojas out of his building at 1667 Grand Avenue, into the court yard of 1667-1669 Grand Avenue by his feet. The eyewitness further testified that the defendants were seen punching, kicking, and banging the victim's head on the pavement. The beating continued as the defendants dragged Rojas out of the courtyard and onto Grand Avenue and 174th Street. Witness testimony stated that upon hearing the sirens approaching, the defendants ran away leaving Rojas mortally wounded. The defendants were apprehended on July 13, 2003, following a positive identification by the eyewitness.

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