On a summer afternoon in Jamestown, New York, the life of 35-year-old Jesus Batista Perez was cut short in a targeted drive-by shooting. The incident unfolded on August 19, 2022, just before 1 p.m. in the area of 850 Prendergast Avenue. When police arrived at the scene, they found Batista Perez on the ground next to a white sedan; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man was also injured in the attack and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The Jamestown Police Department's investigation quickly identified a black four-door Toyota sedan as a suspect vehicle. This led to the arrests of two Jamestown residents, 22-year-old Kevin Roldan-Pantojas and 32-year-old Joseph A. Fontanez Walker, in connection with the fatal shooting. Initially, both men faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. Fontanez Walker was released as his charges did not qualify for bail under state law, while Roldan-Pantojas was held on bail.
Further investigation by the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office led to more severe charges against Roldan-Pantojas. He was indicted on five counts, including second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and first-degree assault. In a turn of events, in November 2023, Kevin Roldan-Pantojas pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter for the death of Jesus Batista-Perez. Subsequently, in January 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for his role in the shooting. The investigation revealed that the incident was part of a dispute between two groups, with over 20 gunshots fired in the residential neighborhood.
