Extra: For Brooklyn Murder Cerna Marroquin Who Burned Body Pled to Obstruction Gets 10 Years

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, July 22 –  Police found a burned human body in Chester County, Pennsylvania on June 18, 2023. The decedent was IDed at Rolando Blanco-Duarte. They tracked the murder back to the Black Horses Tavern in Brooklyn, NY and arrested Luis Cerna-Marroquin.

  On July 24 he appeared, in the yellow prison jumpsuit of the Essex County Correctional Facility, before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge John G. Koeltl. Inner City Press was there, the only media - the only person - in the courtroom gallery. 

 The defendant's CJA lawyer did not consent to excluding time of the Speedy Trial Act.

The prosecutor replied that the clock would only began to run upon indictment. So far, the only charges are Use of Interstate Commerce to Promote Unlawful Activity and Accessory After the Fact.

On March 11, 2024 Cerna-Marroquin pleaded guilty to count 1 of the superseding indictment, that is, obstruction of justice. His sentencing was set for June 11 at 4:30 pm.

On April 10, for the sentencing of Rodolfo Lopez, defense counsel wrote in asking for five years on April 24, citing his "traumatic childhood in El Salvador."

Then there was a change of counsel, and sentencing adjourned.

On July 22 Cerna-Marroquin wrote in to ask for a sentence between 70 and 87 months; sentencing is set for August 5 at 11:30 am.

Inner City Press was there, Cerna Marroquin got 120 months after the victim's brother spoke, thread:

Defense lawyer: Since he came here from Central America, he has worked, albeit illegally. NYS could also still charge him with murder, not just the Federal charge of obstruction of justice.  Judge: Don't he be removed from US after prison? AUSA: There is an order

 Defense lawyer: I am showing your Honor photos of him playing the guitar in church. He acknowledges that burning the body was a terrible thing Defendant: I made an error. I had alcohol in my system. I am sorry. Victim's brother: I an here in memory of my brother

Victim's brother: This person next to me has no heart, no soul. My brother came here for a better future, for his family. This person did not stop to think about us. He does not deserve a 2d chance. He is a person of vices

Victim's brother: He is an extortionist, come to this country to cause problems.

He is a bad person. He is not normal. Imagine what he did to my brother. He dumped him. Give him the longest sentence possible. Thank you

Assistant US Attorney: The victim came from Guatemala. We have not charged this defendant with the murder. But the victim came out in a garbage bags, was burned and dumped. The guideline would be the same as if he threw a gun in the river  AUSA: He texted, after the murder, Dude if you come by the apartment you're going to have to clean up. Sorry bro.

 Defense lawyer: The victim was also here illegally, is my understanding. Judge: The guidelines are 70 to 87 months.

Judge: This case merits an upward variance. While removal for the US is likely, it is not assured. I sentence you to 120 months

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