Yorktown Heights man sentenced in 2024 triple shooting
The shooting followed a verbal dispute.
Fernando Jimenez Meza, of Yorktown Heights, was sentenced to 37 years to life in prison on Thursday for a triple shooting that killed Somers High School sophomore Michael Raimondi.
Loved ones of 15-year-old Michael Raimondi spoke out about the impact the shootings have had on them.
Each shared their memories of Oct. 28, 2024 when the 41-year-old murdered Raimondi, shot his younger brother Matthew and mother Christina in their townhome in Somers.
They reflected on the trauma they have been going through.
"I have flashbacks of blood, darkness, and the sounds of screams and cries. In all of those screams, I cannot hear Michael. I miss Michael," said Michael and Matthew's mother, Christina Raimondi.
The shooting followed a verbal dispute.
Matthew and Christina were seriously injured, but survived.
Last October, Jimenez Meza pleaded guilty to nine charges, including second-degree murder and attempted murder in the second degree.
"I will always live with the what-ifs and the guilt of having introduced this person into our lives, into our home. Michael was such a special and irreplaceable part of my life," said Christina.
They also hope that Jimenez Meza is never granted parole.
Jiminez Meza is a father himself of two biological daughters.
The undocumented immigrant from Chile spoke towards the end through an interpreter.
"I just want to apologize to the people who I did harm to. I know that that doesn't fix anything...but that's the only thing I can say," said Fernando Jimenez Meza.
County Court Judge George Fufidio also issued an order of protection for the victim's family in place until the year 2124.
