On a September day in 2014, the life of 20-year-old Cesar Sanchez was tragically cut short. On September 22nd, Sanchez was shot in the head outside the Berry Houses in the Dongan Hills neighborhood of Staten Island. For two days, he fought for his life while on life support, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on September 24, 2014.
The young man, born on May 14, 1994, was remembered by his family as a peaceful and humble person. His death was a shock to those who knew him.
In the wake of his killing, his mother became an advocate against gun violence, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy. A vigil was held at the basketball courts of the Berry Houses, where friends and family gathered to remember him.
The investigation into Sanchez's death led to the arrest of Delano Hubert. Hubert was subsequently indicted for the murder. Following a jury trial, he was convicted of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The judgment against Hubert was rendered on December 2, 2016. During the trial, Sanchez's mother gave emotional testimony, speaking about her only child and the acceptance letter to college that she brought to his grave.
