In Manhattan, jury deliberations are ongoing in the trial of three men accused of drugging and robbing patrons of gay bars, leading to two fatalities. The defendants, Jayqwan Hamilton, 37, Robert DeMaio, 36, and Jacob Barroso, 32, face multiple charges, including murder, robbery, burglary, conspiracy, and larceny.
Allegations and Victims
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2022, the defendants targeted intoxicated men leaving LGBTQ nightclubs in Hell’s Kitchen. They purportedly offered victims cocaine laced with fentanyl, intending to incapacitate them for robbery. Two victims, Julio Ramirez, 25, and John Umberger, 33, died from acute intoxication involving fentanyl and other substances. The defendants are accused of stealing the victims’ phones and credit cards, subsequently draining their bank accounts and using the funds for personal expenditures.
Defense Arguments
Defense attorneys acknowledge their clients’ involvement in theft but deny responsibility for the deaths. They argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the defendants administered the fatal drugs, suggesting that the victims may have consumed the substances voluntarily. They also highlight the presence of multiple drugs in the victims’ systems, contending that the prosecution has not definitively linked the defendants to the overdoses.
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution contends that the defendants exhibited a complete disregard for human life, using fentanyl as a weapon to incapacitate their victims swiftly. They presented evidence including surveillance footage, text messages, and financial records to demonstrate the defendants’ involvement in the drugging, robbery, and subsequent spending sprees. Assistant District Attorney Meghan Hast emphasized the deliberate nature of the acts, asserting that the defendants specifically targeted young men leaving LGBTQ nightclubs, exploiting their lowered inhibitions to facilitate the crimes.
Current Status
The jury began deliberations following closing arguments, carefully considering the presented evidence and testimonies. The trial has garnered significant attention due to its implications for the safety of nightlife patrons and the LGBTQ community in New York City. A verdict is anticipated in the coming days.
