Allegations swirl around a disturbing drugging and robbery case in New York City involving Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso.
At a Glance
- Suspects accused of drugging and robbing men in NYC with fentanyl.
- John Umberger and Julio Ramirez died from drug mixtures containing fentanyl.
- Defense attorneys argue their clients didn’t cause the victims’ deaths.
- Footage shows suspects transporting a comatose victim with a hotel trolley.
The Alleged Crimes
Manhattan prosecutors have charged Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso with serious offenses following accusations they used fentanyl to subdue and rob unsuspecting victims. The defendants are accused of targeting and drugging men leaving gay nightclubs in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, with prosecutors portraying the operation as calculated and malicious.
Prosecutors presented case details indicating that the accused were not only involved in the robbery but also used the potent drug fentanyl as a weapon to incapacitate their victims. As Assistant District Attorney Meghan Hast stated, fentanyl is the “perfect weapon to commit a robbery.” As the trial progresses, these implications are being explored further through witness testimonies and gathered evidence.
Among the identified victims were John Umberger, a political consultant, and Julio Ramirez, a social worker. Both died due to acute intoxication involving fentanyl and other drugs.
The tragedy of these deaths underlines the seriousness of the allegations faced by the accused.
“Even if you think [Ramirez] made a bad decision staying up until 3 a.m. drinking on a work night, he did not deserve to be drugged with fentanyl, stripped of his belongings, and left for dead in the back of a New York taxi cab,” Hast said.
Evidence also included surveillance footage which depicted the defendants using a hotel’s luggage trolley to move one of their alleged victims, adding another disturbing detail to the narrative of these events. The indictment mentions further that the group supposedly drained the victims’ bank accounts to fund purchases.
The defense is arguing these men may be involved in criminal activity, however, insists they bear no responsibility for the deaths. Despite these defenses, prosecutors are pushing for murder along with robbery, burglary, conspiracy, and larceny charges against Hamilton, DeMaio, and Barroso. As the jury enters the deliberation phase after hearing the prosecution’s closing arguments, the final verdict remains anticipated.
How exactly is Trump the bad guy for wanting to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States?