Two Bronx lawmakers introduced the Safe Havens for Endangered Children law in hopes to protect young people from the violence in the community.
The law is nicknamed “Junior’s Law” after the 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz who was chased and then killed by gang members on June 20.
If passed the law will require bodegas to open their doors as safe spaces to the young New York community. The legislators behind the new law, Sen. Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, are working to build safe walking zones as well.
There are 12 alleged Trinitarios gang members being accused of the attack. The gang who admittedly targeted the wrong person has issued an apology to Guzman-Feliz’s family.
Guzamn-Feliz was a member of the NYPD’s Police Explorers program for youth aspiring to be law enforcement.
The bill proposal is a positive outcome following the violent death of Guzman-Feliz.
– Sciler Williams
