On the evening of March 20, 2017, 37-year-old Nelson Rodriguez was walking home from his job at an auto body shop on Front Street in Hempstead, New York, when he was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity. Members of the MS-13 Hempstead Locos Salvatrucha clique were driving around seeking retaliation against the rival 14th Street Gang. The gang’s leader, Ramon Martines, was in a vehicle with Pedro Rivera and Carlos Flores when they spotted Rodriguez, who had no gang affiliation but was perceived as an enemy.

Martines ordered Rivera, who was armed, to kill Rodriguez. Rivera walked past Rodriguez, then turned and shot him in the back of the head and again after he fell. Witnesses called 911; Rodriguez was taken to Nassau County University Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.

Pedro Rivera and Carlos Flores were arrested, charged with second-degree murder, convicted at trial and sentenced to 50 years to life. Ramon Martines pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree conspiracy and was sentenced to 25 years. Another accomplice, Hector Lazo, was arrested and is awaiting sentencing.

If anyone knew Nelson or has information about that night, please share what might help explain how he came to be targeted.