NEW YORK – A 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, gang assault and other felonies in the beating to death of a Queens man after an argument, according to the district attorney’s office.
Michael Santander, of Corona, was arraigned on Wednesday in a complaint charging him with second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and felony possession of a weapon, according to the District of the queens. . Attorney Melinda Katz.
According to the complaint, Santander and a group of people still wanted by police accosted 22-year-old Esvin Vasquez at a BP gas station on Junction Boulevard near the intersection of 44th Avenue in Corona.
Surveillance video showed Santander and other members of the group tackled Vásquez to the ground and kicked him repeatedly in the head and body.
Santander also hit Vasquez over the head with a wooden plank, also used by another person who suffered multiple rib fractures.
“A young father’s life was cut short by a horribly brutal attack,” Katz said. “As alleged, the defendant kicked and punched one victim resulting in her death and seriously injuring another. The defendant will be held accountable and we will find the other perpetrators of this heinous assault.”
If convicted, Santander faces life imprisonment.
Information from Santander’s lawyer was not immediately available.
