On a summer evening in the Bronx, a dispute over money tragically escalated, leading to the death of 29-year-old Julio Lebron. On August 2, 2016, Lebron went to the Believe Beauty Spa on Southern Boulevard near East Tremont Avenue to collect a debt on behalf of a friend. An argument erupted between Lebron and the spa's manager, which reportedly turned physical.
After the initial confrontation, Lebron left, stating he would be back for the money.
Later that day, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Lebron returned to the salon. The manager, anticipating his return, had called for assistance. When Lebron entered the establishment, at least one individual opened fire, striking him multiple times in the chest and neck. Emergency services were called, and Lebron was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing people flee the salon in the chaotic aftermath. Two suspects were seen escaping in a silver Honda. Friends and family remembered Lebron as a devoted father to his two young daughters.
The New York Police Department launched an investigation that led to the arrests of two men in connection with the fatal shooting. The spa manager, Gustavo Guillen, was taken into custody. He was later convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision. The gunman was identified as Jairo Castillo. Castillo faced justice for his role in the shooting and was found guilty of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the murder charge, with an additional concurrent sentence of eight years for the weapon charge.
