Ludvin Ramos-Cervantes, an 18-year-old from Yonkers, plead not guilty on Wednesday to charges of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the fatal shooting of 51-year-old Francisco Gordillo.
The shooting of a stranger
On Feb. 26, Yonkers Police responded to reports of a wounded man in a red pickup truck at Willow Street and Mount Carmel Place. At approximately 5 am, authorities discovered Francisco Gordillo with a gunshot wound to his head. Despite efforts to save him, Gordillo passed away at a local hospital.
Investigations by the YPD’s Major Case Squad revealed that an altercation between Gordillo and Ludvin Ramos-Cervantes turned deadly. The 18-year-old suspect left the scene, but soon returned with a .45 caliber firearm. He then fired a fatal shot into Gordillo’s truck. Witnesses identified Ramos-Cervantes to the police, leading to his apprehension that same evening. Initially, he claimed the gun belonged to Gordillo and that Gordillo had threatened to shoot himself. However, Ramos-Cervantes later changed his story, admitting to owning the firearm and stating it had discharged accidentally. Ramos-Cervantes now faces a charge of murder in the second degree. According to police reports, Gordillo and Ramos-Cervantes had met that night but were not previously acquainted.
YPD Commissioner Sapienza commended detectives for their investigation while condemning the use of violence in resolving disputes.
Regardless of the severity of a dispute, escalating the situation by introducing a weapon and resorting to violence is never acceptable.
Over a dozen of Gordillo’s relatives were present during Ramos-Cervantes’ arraignment at Westchester County Court. The Wednesday March 27 proceeding saw the defendant plead not guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Ludvin Ramos-Cervantes faces his next appearance on June 26, 2024 before Judge Larry J. Schwartz.
