In a disturbing case that has shaken New York City’s vibrant nightlife community, three men—Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso—were convicted on Monday of multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy, and robbery. The convictions stem from a predatory scheme in which the men targeted intoxicated patrons, primarily at gay bars, drugged them with fentanyl-laced substances, and stole their valuables and financial information. This heinous plan led to the tragic deaths of two young men, Julio Cesar Ramirez and John Umberger, in 2022. The case has brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by individuals, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, who simply sought to enjoy a night out in Manhattan’s lively entertainment scene.
The men’s modus operandi was both calculated and ruthless. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Hamilton, DeMaio, and Barroso would linger outside popular nightclubs, preying on individuals who were already under the influence of alcohol or other substances. They would then administer drugs laced with fentanyl to incapacitate their victims, leaving them unable to resist as the men stole their phones, drained their online bank accounts, and made unauthorized purchases. This brazen exploitation was driven by greed, yet it had devastating consequences. The two victims who lost their lives were not just random targets; they were vibrant individuals with promising futures. Ramirez, a 25-year-old social worker, and Umberger, a 33-year-old political consultant, were both part of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting how this scheme disproportionately affected a vulnerable group.
The convictions were the result of a thorough investigation and a robust prosecution. The three men were found guilty on 24 counts, including murder in the second degree, robbery in the first degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree. Hamilton and DeMaio also faced additional charges of burglary in the first degree. The guilty verdicts mark a significant step toward justice for the victims’ families and friends, though the pain caused by these crimes cannot be fully undone. Two other individuals involved in the scheme had previously pleaded guilty to robbery charges and are scheduled to be sentenced next month. While the convictions bring some closure, they also serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist in the shadows of New York City’s nightlife.
District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg expressed strong condemnation of the defendants’ actions, stating, “These defendants were motivated by greed, and their callous behavior left two young men dead.” He emphasized that the men had exploited individuals who were simply trying to enjoy Manhattan’s nightlife, a freedom that many take for granted. The case has also prompted broader discussions about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces and the need for increased vigilance to protect vulnerable communities. City Council member Erik Bottcher, who has been vocal about the issue, shared on Facebook that this case has shed light on the disturbing reality of predatory schemes targeting individuals, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are just looking to have a night out in the city.
The specifics of the crimes are particularly harrowing. On April 2022, Ramirez was targeted outside The Ritz Bar, a well-known gay venue in Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood celebrated for its LGBTQ+ nightlife. The men gave him fentanyl-laced drugs, leaving him unresponsive in the back of a taxi. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The perpetrators then proceeded to steal thousands of dollars from his Apple Cash and Cash App accounts, using the money to purchase expensive sneakers and clothing. Just weeks later, in May 2022, DeMaio and Hamilton struck again, this time targeting Umberger outside The Q NYC, another gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. They accompanied him to his apartment, where they administered fentanyl-laced drugs, leaving him motionless on his bed. The men spent over $2,000 from his accounts on shoes and clothes before Umberger died from a combination of drugs and other substances.
The aftermath of these crimes has left the victims’ families and the broader community grappling with grief and outrage. While CNN was unable to reach the families of Ramirez and Umberger for comment, their losses are immeasurable. The three convicted men are now facing severe penalties, with each potentially receiving a sentence of 25 years to life in prison when they are sentenced in April. Barroso’s attorney, David B. Krauss, expressed disappointment with the jury’s verdict and indicated that an appeal would be filed after sentencing, citing potential issues for the appeals court to consider. However, for now, the focus remains on the victims and the lessons learned from this tragic case. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of ensuring safety and inclusivity in all public spaces, especially those that are meant to be havens for self-expression and joy.
