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March 17, 2023

I am proud to lead an Office where so many women in vital positions are helping to change things for the better. Their strength, compassion and diligence serve the people of the Bronx every day.

Women in all ranks of our staff work with victims, prosecute violent offenders, engage the community, make our Office run efficiently, and find solutions to keep offenders out of the criminal justice system.

This month, we honor and celebrate all the trailblazing women in the Bronx and across the nation, of the past, present, and future.

Happy Women’s History Month!

On March 7, 2023, a jury found Jose Gonzalez guilty of first-degree Murder in the death of FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Yadira Arroyo, who he ran over with her ambulance in 2017. The victim was a mother of five and a 14-year EMT veteran.

District Attorney Clark said, “The road to justice for Yadi was tortuous; this case was delayed because of numerous hearings regarding the defendant’s fitness to stand trial, but her family and FDNY colleagues were patient and steadfast from the beginning until today’s verdict. I thank the witnesses, who saw Yadi in her final moments, for their testimonies during the trial. Yadi lives on in the legacy of her children, and in the countless New Yorkers she assisted in their time of need.”

On the evening of March 16, 2017, Gonzalez rode on the back of Arroyo’s ambulance, then jumped off and stole a young man’s backpack. The robbery victim flagged down Arroyo’s ambulance and she got out of the vehicle and spoke briefly to Gonzalez. The defendant then jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance, and Arroyo and her partner, who was in the passenger seat, told him to get out. Gonzalez put the car in reverse, striking Arroyo, then drove forward, pinning her under the vehicle and dragging her across the intersection. Gonzalez will be sentenced on April 5, 2023.

The trial against Gonzalez was delayed after multiple court hearings on the defendant’s mental fitness to stand trial. He was deemed unfit in May 2022 and was sent to a psychiatric facility and was then deemed fit to stand trial in September 2022.

“I’m seeing right before my eyes that we’re losing a generation of young people.”

In this special report, District Attorney Clark sat down with Alzo Slade of Vice to talk about the impact of Drill Rap and the violence surrounding it. Watch the full report. 

District Attorney Clark and Staff enjoyed marching in the 25th Annual Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12, 2023. DA Clark connected with the community to celebrate Irish culture. There were marching bands, dances, and crowds in green. Thank you to the Throggs Neck Benevolent Association for organizing this wonderful celebration of Irish pride! 

Defendant Roland Marrero was found guilty after jury trial on two counts of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child, in connection with the sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl. Both the victim, who is now nine-years-old, and her seven-year-old sister testified, along with other witnesses. This defendant was already a registered Level II sex offender as a result of a 2009 conviction for sexually abusing a five-year-old boy. Marrero faces enhanced sentencing as a 2nd Child Sexual Assault Felony Offender and faces minimum of 15 years to life in prison. He will be sentenced on April 12, 2023.

On March 9, 2023, Jahmel Sanders, 30, was indicted on several counts of Murder, Manslaughter, Arson and additional charges for shooting two people in a car and setting it on fire, incinerating them. Sanders, along with others, allegedly kidnapped Nikki Huang, 22, and Jesse Parrilla, 22, and transported them to Shore Road near Pelham Bay Park, and shot them execution-style on May 16, 2022. According to the investigation, the day before this incident occurred, Huang told friends who are alleged gang members that she was robbed of a purse in Manhattan, and two hours later, a man was fatally shot in Manhattan.

Sanders was remanded and is due back in court on June 21, 2023.

On March 9, 2023, a Rikers Island inmate was indicted on Attempted Murder charges for attacking multiple NYC Department of Correction Officers with a broomstick and for putting one of the Officers in a chokehold. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on April 6, 2023.

On March 3, 2023, Kelvin Diaz, 33 was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years of post release supervision for fatally beating and stabbing his girlfriend multiple times in the face after an argument in their apartment. Diaz pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on February 16, 2023.

On March 1, 2023, Maritza Yauger, 65, was indicted for Attempted Murder and additional charges for stabbing her granddaughter in the neck and body. According to the investigation, on February 21, 2023, in the defendant’s apartment, the victim’s uncle was awakened by the victim’s sister screaming. He then observed the seven-year-old girl covered in blood and called police. The victim had stab wounds to her neck, throat and body, as well as wounds to her head and a skull fracture. She also had bleeding on her brain. The victim is currently in a medically induced coma.

On March 8, 2023, District Attorney Clark attended the 47th Precinct’s Community Council Meeting for Women’s History Month. She spoke to the community about how proud she is to be the first Woman of color, to be elected district attorney in the history of New York State She also explained how our Office works with the NYPD to address public safety concerns, and spoke about bail reform. 

District Attorney Clark had the pleasure of speaking to girls at Preston High School, members of the Future Lawyers’ Club, on March 2. They asked incisive questions and were very enthusiastic to learn about the criminal justice system. 

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is one of the largest employers in the Bronx. We are committed to pursuing justice with integrity by providing services to victims of crime and prosecuting the accused fairly. Whether you join our legal or professional staff, you will be provided with training, mentorship and opportunities for professional development. The collegial and collaborative environment will provide you with not just a job, but a home for building a career in criminal justice. Check out the wide variety of opportunities– IT, interpreters, digital forensic examiner, and clerical staff–we have available.

Our Crime Victims Assistance Bureau is looking for a licensed therapist to provide crime victims with trauma-informed counseling and support services. Please apply here if you or someone you know is interested.