Three Men Convicted for Drugging, Robbing, and Killing Gay Men in NYC

Convictions in Shocking NYC Crimes Against Gay Men

In a landmark verdict delivered this Tuesday, a Manhattan jury convicted three men on multiple counts, including murder and conspiracy, for their roles in a harrowing string of crimes targeting gay men in New York City. The defendants, identified as Jayqwan Hamilton, 37, Jacob Barroso, 32, and Robert DeMaio, 36, were found guilty after a swift four-hour jury deliberation. These crimes, which claimed the lives of Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, sent ripples of fear through the LGBTQ+ community.

Prosecutors detailed a chilling and calculated scheme by these individuals to drug and rob unsuspecting gay men at popular New York City bars. The scheme, which spanned from 2021 into 2022, leveraged the defendants' access to potent drugs and their exploitation of facial recognition technology to execute their plans. Tragically, two young men would not survive their encounters with these criminals.

The Victims: Lives Cut Short

Julio Ramirez, a 25-year-old social worker known for his kindness and dedication to his profession, was discovered deceased in a taxi on April 21. Surveillance footage captured him leaving The Ritz Bar and Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen with three unknown men before entering the cab. His financial accounts were drained of $20,000, indicating a well-planned heist that ended his life.

John Umberger, a 33-year-old political consultant visiting New York for work, was similarly targeted. Found dead on June 1, Umberger's demise occurred in the East 61st Street townhouse where he was staying. Investigations revealed he had left Q NYC, another Hell’s Kitchen bar, with two unidentified individuals days earlier. Drug analysis confirmed fentanyl and lidocaine in his system, highlighting the lethal nature of the defendants' methods.

A Deadly Scheme Unveiled

The defendants orchestrated a series of brazen robberies that involved drugging their targets to incapacitate them. These men then utilized the victims' phones, employing facial recognition to access bank accounts, stealing tens of thousands of dollars. The robbery spree was characterized by a "complete disregard for human life," as described by Assistant District Attorney Meghan Hast during closing arguments.

Chilling details emerged during the trial. Surveillance footage depicted the defendants at Umberger's townhouse, engaging in leisure activities while their victim lay helpless. Additional testimonies from surviving victims painted a vivid picture of the defendants' modus operandi: luring gay men with promises of drugs and parties, only to leave them robbed and vulnerable.

Survivors' Harrowing Testimonies

Several gay men took the stand to recount their narrow escapes from similar fates. One survivor described waking up bruised and alone in a hotel, devoid of his credit card and phones. Prosecutors presented evidence of him being wheeled unconscious into the hotel on a luggage cart by the defendants. Another account detailed the terrifying realization upon waking up to find financial accounts depleted, with no memory of the night's events.

The jury also examined surveillance images from the Eagle NYC bar, showing patrons being led away by the defendants under the guise of friendly interactions, only to become victims of this depraved scheme.

Community Impact and Moving Forward

The conviction of Hamilton, Barroso, and DeMaio marks a significant victory for justice, but it also serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. These crimes struck at the heart of safe spaces, where individuals gather to celebrate their identities free from fear. The impact on community trust and safety is profound and lasting.

As these three men face sentencing, with potential penalties ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment, there is a collective call for increased safety measures and vigilance in these cherished community spaces. The LGBTQ+ community continues to rally together, advocating for awareness and protection against such targeted crimes.

For those seeking to stay informed and engaged, resources are available through community networks and newsletters. In the face of adversity, the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community remain unwavering.

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