New video footage has emerged from the bodega where 15-year-old Lesandro Guzman-Feliz sought refuge before being murdered, which seems to show that the shop's owner actually tried to help the teen.
Advert
Guzman-Feliz - an aspiring NYPD cop - was brutally murdered by the gang in an apparent case of mistaken identity, having been dragged out of the bodega before being hacked to death with the machete.
The men are reportedly from the Trinitarios gang and are believed to have killed the boy in 'a case of mistaken identity over a sex tape'.
According to the New York Post, cops have made five arrests. A 19-year-old man, Kevin Alvarez, has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and gang assault, the MailOnline reports.
Modesto Cruz, the owner of the bodega where Guzman-Feliz was dragged from, has now spoken out about what happened - having to defend himself after various reports said he 'did nothing'.
Advert
The new CCTV footage shows Cruz trying to help Guzman-Feliz, who rushes into the store before trying to jump over the counter. Initially Cruz looks hesitant to help - which is understandable, given what's going on - but then realises what's happening and helps the teen clamber over.
"I just feel very, very bad," Cruz told ABC7 New York.
"I was closing the store, I already passed the key to close the store, when somebody go and jump over the counter," he added.
Advert
"My first reaction was stop it. When he got down I recognized him... When he told me, 'They looking for me', I helped bring him down. But he was so scared, and I remember his face."
Moments later, gang members storm into the bodega, which was when Guzman leaps up to seek refuge behind the counter.
"I tried to hold him down, and he jumped up," Cruz continued.
"The other people coming for him - they saw him."
Advert
The gang members then charged behind the counter and grabbed the teenager, dragging him out of the bodega by his collar.
Following his death, a GoFundMe page was set up for the family - it has so far raised over $320,000 (£242,000) of a $15,000 (£11,300) goal.
Cardi B, who is from the New York borough, donated $6,000 (£4,540) under her real name of Belcalis Almanzar.
Advert
Rihanna also paid a touching tribute to the boy posting: "Can't stop thinking about this poor baby boy, and how his family must feel right now! I'm sincerely praying for your healing and #justiceforjunior."
Topics: World News, News, US News, New York