BRONX MAN FOUND GUILTY IN BLOODY RAMPAGE WHICH LEFT HIS
GIRLFRIEND SERIOUSLY WOUNDED AND HER COUSIN FATALLY STABBED

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today the murder conviction of a 20-year-old man who seriously wounded his girlfriend and stabbed her cousin to death when he went to her aid.

A jury found Samuel Encarnacion, of 1435 Harrod Avenue, the Bronx, guilty of Murder in the 2nd degree in the death of Johnny Torres and Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree for multiple stab wounds inflicted on Ofelia Torres. Encarnacion was also found guilty of Assault in the 1st degree for the attack on Ofelia Torres.

State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Foley set sentencing for Monday, December 17, 2007 in Part T2. Encarnacion is facing a maximum term of 25 years to life imprisonment for the murder and maximum terms of up to 25 years imprisonment each for the attempted murder and the assault. If the judge imposes consecutive terms for the murder and attempted murder Encarnacion would have to serve a minimum of 50 years before becoming eligible for parole. The sentence for the assault charge, by law, would have to run concurrent.

The crimes occurred at the couple’s Harrod Avenue apartment on January 20, 2005. The defendant and Ms. Torres were in their bedroom talking when Encarnacion began stabbing her after she said that she wanted to end their relationship. Johnny Torres, who had been sitting in the living room, ran to his cousin’s defense and was stabbed to death.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Susan McElwreath and Assistant District Attorney Irene Pangilinan.