Teens Accused of Brutal Murder Will Navigate Legal System Differently
Some crimes are too heinous to ignore.
The group of teenagers accused of brutally stabbing, pistol-whipping, and ultimately killing 14-year-old Angel Mendoza will not benefit from New York’s contentious “Raise the Age” legislation, experts have indicated.
This 2019 law, which raised the age for adult criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, offers leniency primarily to younger defendants. However, this leniency will not extend to the murder charges filed against the four suspects, two of whom are minors.
Mark Bederow, a defense attorney and former prosecutor, noted that “violent first-degree crimes such as murder will still be prosecuted in Manhattan Supreme Court. For very serious violent offenses, the consequences will likewise be severe.”
Two of the alleged perpetrators, Andrew Ansah and Jordan Williams, both 18, are classified as adults and will face trial in Manhattan criminal court.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, who face the same charges—murder, manslaughter, gang assault, and criminal possession of a weapon—will likely be processed through the “Youth Part” of the Manhattan court, according to Bederow.
This specialized division features judges trained to address cases involving minors, alongside access to additional social services.
Despite being tried in a separate division, the juveniles may not benefit from reduced sentencing guidelines typically available for lesser offenses, given the severity of the charges. Nonetheless, Bederow stated that their age might still play a role in judicial considerations.
“A judge is likely to consider their age and circumstances when differentiating between a 16-year-old and a seasoned adult offender,” he explained. “However, it’s important to recognize that we are still discussing murder, which can lead to considerable sentences.”
The “Raise the Age” law continues to spark debate among New York lawmakers and law enforcement officials, many of whom argue it has contributed to an increase in juvenile criminal activity.
Conversely, advocates claim that the law facilitates access to important resources aimed at preventing repeat offenses among youth.
Leandra Feliz, whose son Junior Guzman was tragically murdered by a gang in the Bronx in 2018, expressed her viewpoint to a local publication, arguing that the law primarily benefits gang members.
She suggested that individuals involved in such crimes, regardless of age, should face identical charges.
“Legislation should ensure that all participants receive equivalent sentences,” she stated.
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