Richard Diaz, Murder-for-Hire, New York 1999

A 28-year-old man’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence in 1999. Richard Diaz was just another victim in a long line of innocent lives lost to the brutal world of organized crime.

On July 19, 1999, Diaz was driving through Manhattan with a friend when he was ambushed by a group of thugs hired to kill him. Diaz was shot and eventually died after driving a short distance to the Henry Hudson Parkway.

The mastermind behind the hit was Jose Luis Gracesqui, a 46-year-old Queens man who had a history of violent robberies, kidnappings, and beatings of drug dealers. Gracesqui, also known as ‘Luis Perez,’ ‘Ramon Ortiz,’ ‘Onel Colon,’ ‘Muffler,’ and ‘Luis Colon,’ was hired by a major Upper Manhattan drug dealer to take out one of his customers.

After a three-week trial, Gracesqui was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire, and murder in connection with a narcotics conspiracy. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel sentenced Gracesqui to life in prison, bringing a sense of closure to Diaz’s family.

In a statement, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara praised the investigative work of the DEA and NYPD, saying ‘Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors who never gave up, this cold-case murder of an innocent 28-year-old man has been solved and the perpetrator brought to justice.’

Gracesqui’s sentence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officials who never give up on solving cold cases. It’s a reminder that justice can be served, even years after the fact.

This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Laurie A. Korenbaum, Brendan F. Quigley, and Rebekah Donaleski are in charge of the prosecution.

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