A TRIO accused of drugging, beating and robbing their victims after nights out have been found guilty of murdering two men.
Three individuals, namely Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso, deliberately singled out men outside gay bars in Manhattan, New York, leading to the tragic deaths of two individuals.
Their tragic victims Julio Ramirez, 25, and John Umberger, 33, died after overdosing on drugs they were given.
The three monsters were found guilty on all counts by a jury on Monday.
Hamilton, DeMaio and Barroso sought out people who were drunk on nights out and would offer them laced drugs.
The gang would then rob their phones and credit cards, before spending thousands and dividing the cash between themselves.
Hamilton and Barroso met Julio Ramirez on April 21, 2022 outside The Ritz Bar in Midtown.
Julio had studied at the University of Buffalo and received his Master’s in Social Work before landing a job in New York City.
The trio drugged the 25-year-old and left him passed out in a taxi.
The young man later died of an overdose, while tests later found a fatal concoction of fentanyl, heroin and P-fluorofentanyl in his system.
DeMaio, who was charged as an accomplice and co-conspirator, then allegedly stole $3,2000 from Julio’s bank account.
Meanwhile, shameless Hamilton bought shoes with the illicit money.
Within days of Julio being found dead, more than $20,000 was drained from his accounts, according to his family.
Julio’s brother Carlos told NBC News: “They had literally taken every dollar that he had, all his savings and all of his money.”
Following the discovery of Julio’s body, his dear friend Shiva Campbell shared with The Sun, “He always mentioned living for the day as he could go tomorrow, not realizing how true those words would become.”
“Julio exuded vitality and love, and he would wish for others to understand and learn from his experience, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of one’s surroundings as not everyone may have pure intentions.”
She added: “[His parents] are just trying to keep it together.
“They’re all really close. Julio was the youngest. That’s their baby.
“If I’m feeling the pain this much, I can’t imagine what they’re feeling.”
Then, on May 28, 2022, Hamilton and DaMaio struck again and targeted 33-year-old John Umberger.
Their victim was leaving The Q NYC when they lured him back to an apartment and drugged him.
John died of fentanyl poisoning shortly after they left him incapacitated.
Once again, more than $3,000 was spent illegally using the victim’s credit card.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg said: “Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert Demaio and Jacob Barroso took advantage of people who were just trying to enjoy Manhattan’s vibrant nightlife.
“These defendants were motivated by greed, and their callous behavior left two young men dead.
“I know the families who lost their loved ones are still suffering from so much pain, and I hope this verdict can provide at least some measure of comfort.”
The D.A. praised the NYPD, prosecutors, and analysists for their work on the “complex case”.
“My Office will continue to take every measure possible to protect New Yorkers from this type of criminal conduct,” he added.
“That includes ensuring accountability for those who commit this harm, while also working with financial companies to enhance security measures on their phone apps.”
Hamilton, DaMaio and Barroso are set to be sentenced on April 4.
