Excerpts from the victim-impact statement read by Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz’s mom, Leandra Feliz:

“These criminals ripped him [Junior] away from me, leaving all his family and school friends … More than 15 men decided to go out and to kill someone.”

“They killed an innocent child. Then all these men, not a single one said, ‘No, no, don’t do it.’”

“That night, there were two deaths: Junior and I, who was left dead inside.”

“These actions were all captured on camera, leaving millions of people devastated. In the same way the videos of their violence went viral, the punishment should be equal so that New York City can be safer for everyone. New York City has never seen a case of such magnitude.”

“As a young boy, my boy dreamed of becoming a detective so he could protect this city. Unfortunately, his dream was crushed by these dangerous gang members.”

Excerpts from the victim-impact statement read by Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz’s dad, Lisandro Guzman:

“I struggle daily to find meaning in my life. I’m no longer the same person that I always was.”

“There are days when I cannot sleep. I toss and turn in bed thinking about my son.”

“On weekends, I struggle to stay busy, finding things to do to not let my mind think.”

“Weekends are particularly difficult because those were the days that I spent the most time with my son.”

“You will never have the ability to understand the pain you have caused.”

“I will never forgive you for deciding to murder my son.”