Article
Capture of Key Suspect
After a painstaking three-month search, police finally apprehended a suspect linked to the brutal slaying of a Bronx father of two. The arrest of Alejandro Gonzalez, 23, was carried out in Bristol, Connecticut on May 17. Police from the Bronx Violent Felony Squad, the Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the local police acted on a Bronx Supreme Court warrant for Gonzalez’s arrest.
Gonzalo resided in Soundview, conveniently close to the assault scene. Incidentally, he is now charged with manslaughter in the first degree, assault with intent to cause serious physical injury using a weapon, and criminal possession of a fourth-degree weapon. This follows the fatal assault on 46-year-old Jesus Garcia-Desiderio on Feb. 17. Authorities are still on the lookout for a second suspect involved in the deadly assault.
The Tragedy Unveiled
Garcia-Desiderio confronted Gonzalez and an unidentified man in the early hours of Feb. 17, just outside a restaurant on Stratford Ave. near Westchester Ave. in Soundview. The conflict quickly escalated to violence, culminating in a merciless beating of Garcia-Desiderio on a neighboring sidewalk. The assault was within a stone’s throw of Garcia-Desiderio’s residence.
The intensity of the attack left Garcia-Desiderio with severely damaging brain injuries. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, his condition deteriorated. He was proclaimed brain-dead and subsequently put on life support, only to succumb to his injuries three days later.
Wife’s Emotional Recollection
Amidst the wave of grief and loss, Tamisha Velasquez, the victim’s wife, opened about her pain and anguish. “I’m constantly crying. I can’t control my emotions. I’m always thinking about him,” she said.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Garcia-Desiderio had made the Bronx his home but always yearned to revisit his native land. He left behind two sons, aged 17 and 21. Garcia-Desiderio found fulfillment in remodeling work, specializing in kitchen interiors, and had a strong affinity for animals. The family cared for two dogs and three cats, most of which were strays that Garcia-Desiderio himself had rescued.
When not working, Garcia-Desiderio enjoyed playing handball and soccer. Despite his outgoing passions, he was known to have had a liking for drinking. Velasquez recalled their life together and expressed her desire for justice to prevail; “I want you to pay,” she had previously said about the attackers.
The Court Deciding Fate
Despite mounting evidence and charges, Gonzalez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday in Bronx Supreme Court. He was subsequently denied bail and remains in custody, based on court records.
Velasquez pointedly said, “That’s what I want. I want them to go to jail for their crimes,” expressing hope for her late husband’s justice.
As the investigation unfolds, the community eyes justice for Garcia-Desiderio. At this time, his family mourns his loss, remembering the kindness and passion he showed both his loved ones and the community he called home.