Richard Feliz, Murder, New York 2015

BRONX, New York - In a shocking case of senseless gang violence, Richard Feliz, a/k/a 'Dirt,' was sentenced to 27 years in prison for murdering Victor Chafla, an innocent bystander, in the Bronx.

According to the allegations, on March 26, 2015, Victor Chafla was stocking produce outside a grocery store when he was shot in the head by Feliz, who was shooting at a rival gang member. Chafla died from his wounds a few days later.

Feliz, 23, of the Bronx, New York, was a member of the Rollin' 30s Crips, a street gang that operated in the Bronx. He was sentenced on August 16, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero, who had previously accepted Feliz's guilty plea to narcotics and firearms offenses.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department, which worked together to bring Feliz to justice.

In addition to the prison term, Feliz was sentenced to three years of supervised release for the murder of Victor Chafla.

The case is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Fender, Anden Chow, and Jacqueline Kelly are in charge of the prosecution.

The Rollin' 30s Crips gang, which operated in the Bronx, was involved in a racketeering enterprise that committed acts of violence, including murder and robbery, as well as conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics. Feliz's sentence brings an end to this senseless violence and serves as a reminder of the consequences of gang activity.

Our hearts go out to Victor Chafla's family for their terrible loss. This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence on our communities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-sentenced-27-years-prison-murder-innocent-bystander