Terrence Gonzalez, 30, was found guilty by a jury of the 2020 murder of 23 year-old Lateef Butler on December 21st, 2022. Westchester County District Attorney, Mimi Rocah, has released a statement on the conviction.
Butler was shot outside of 354 Nepperhan Ave. on June 26, 2020, later pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers. The incident was filmed on area security cameras. This footage was critical evidence during the trial which played numerous times for the jury.
Gonzalez’s defense was that he was fearful of retribution from Butler and his friend from a prior violent encounter. In closing statements, defense lawyer Anthony Mattesi said that,“Terrence Gonzalez made the decision to live that day.” He pleaded with the jury for a not guilt verdict adhering to the self-defense strategy saying that “In this country we don’t convict a man for trying to save his own life.”
The prosecution however reminded the jury of the fact that Gonzalez was the aggressor. Instead of retreating, he pursed the victim and shot him five times with a .38 caliber revolver.
Gonzalez is scheduled for sentencing on February 16. He faces 25 years to life in prison.
