Individual Found Guilty By A Jury Of Four Carjackings And Murder |
|---|
|
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Puerto Rico
19 July 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Carmelo Velázquez-Aponte a.k.a. “Boty,” was found guilty of four carjackings, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (carjacking), and possession of a stolen firearm, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States Senior Judge Daniel Dominguez presided over the trial.
On July 6, 2011, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Velázquez-Aponte with four counts of carjacking, one including the murder of Richardson Mieses-Pimentel, four counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm.
During the 14-day trial, the government presented pictures and witness’ testimony that narrated the criminal incidents of carjacking and robbery that the defendant perpetrated against innocent victims. According to the testimony on June 18, 2011, the defendant stole the licensed firearm belonging to Richardson Mieses-Pimental and his vehicle, and then executed him. After that event, Velázquez-Aponte committed other carjackings. During his attempt to escape his arrest on June 20, 2011, he also stole a police officer’s gun and shot a Police officer. The defendant also stole a police cruiser and engaged in two other shootouts with police officers, until he was arrested. The defendant fired the stolen weapons at the police officers.
“I commend the victims who came forward in order to seek justice and hope that this conviction will help them find some closure,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the FBI, the Carolina Municipal Police and the Puerto Rico Police Department for their excellent work in bringing this defendant to justice. We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Veronda and Aaron Howell. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2016 at 10:00 am.