“Although these arrests will not bring back Julio and John, they are a step towards justice for their families and loved ones,” Councilmember Erik Bottcher, whose district includes Hell’s Kitchen, told Gothamist in a statement. “I hope this sends a message far and wide that if you victimize our community, you will be apprehended and you will be held accountable.”
Both victims died from the effects of a concoction of several illicit drugs — and had their bank accounts drained, according to their families. Months later, authorities announced that these deaths were connected to a string of 17 reported robberies and assaults between Sept. 19, 2021 and Aug. 28, 2022. The majority of these victims are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
These victims, including Umberger and Ramirez, were offered a combination of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana — which Bragg referred to as “weapons” — by the alleged perpetrators, who would then use the victims’ phones to transfer thousands of dollars to their own accounts, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig. The police traced CashApp exchanges and credit card charges to help track down the suspects.
“I cannot imagine how painful it is for the families of Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Umberger,” Bragg said. “My thoughts continue to be with them. It’s my sincere hope that today will bring some solace in the fact that our investigation has now led to these charges.”
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