It was nearly an ideal crime scene. Bars in Hell’s Kitchen were hesitant to speak out, fearing that patrons might be frightened away.
New York Democrats were keen to keep things low-key ahead of the crucial gubernatorial election in November 2022, wanting to downplay worries about crime and safety.
The police were already stretched thin, grappling with crime and the lingering impacts of Covid, not to mention the chaos surrounding the “return of police” efforts.
But then came Linda Clary, the mother of one of the victims, who refused to stay silent.
She was aware of a gang in Hell’s Kitchen that targeted young gay men. Linda didn’t want anyone else to face the same fate as her son, John Umberger, who tragically lost his life due to fentanyl on May 29, 2022.
With determination, Clary reached out to the media to alert the gay community about these predators.
She found support from a detective who linked her son’s murder to the unsolved case of 25-year-old Giulio Ramirez.
Eventually, Detective Randy Rose and his partner, Detective Alex Aguiro, were able to crack the case surrounding a series of murders linked to a gay bar, interviewing numerous victims and identifying five suspects involved.
Jake Wan Hamilton, 37, Robert DeMaio, 36, and Jacob Barroso, 32, were convicted for their roles in murder, robbery, and conspiracy near a Manhattan nightclub.
Sentences Issued for the Convicted
On Wednesday, Hamilton and DeMaio received sentences ranging from 40 years to life, while Barroso got a 20-year sentence. Earlier in March, two others involved, Shane Hoskins and Andrebatz, were sentenced to eight years each for their participation in the scheme.
Throughout the investigation, authorities discovered another gang using similar tactics to lure patrons to bars in the Lower East Side. Prosecutors allege that Kenwood Allen, who has pleaded not guilty, killed four people within just 15 days, stealing their credit cards and leaving them dead, often due to fentanyl poisoning. One victim was Kathryn Gallagher, a 35-year-old fashion designer who worked for Lady Gaga.
Judge Felicia Mennin remarked on the calculated nature of these crimes during sentencing, addressing a courtroom filled with the victims’ families and friends.
“I am sorry for your lack of humanity and empathy for your fellow people,” she said.
As Clary sat in court surrounded by her friends, it was a painful moment. The trial was difficult; she had to watch videos of her son and others as they celebrated at a townhouse on the Upper East Side shortly after John’s life was taken. His credit card was last used at Q NYC on 8th Avenue, and it took four days for his body to be found.
Viewing her son’s murder play out on screen was heart-wrenching, especially knowing the impact it had on her.
She stepped into the witness box, trying to convey what John meant to her, recounting the silence during the four days he was missing, and the silence that still lingers.
After struggling to speak, she shared excerpts from the emotional victim impact statements submitted to the court. “It was really beautiful, but it was very tragic,” she noted.
Many shared their admiration for John, with family friends saying he had a special light that brightened every room he entered.
John’s biological father, Arik Campbell, traveled from England, emphasizing, “In all my 60 years, I have never known a son who was more loving and faithful than John.” The loss has left a profound emptiness.
No Compassion Shown
John’s godfather expressed the struggle to come to terms with the reality of losing such a vibrant life.
A childhood friend emphasized how these ruthless men robbed the world of someone dedicated to lifting others and spreading kindness.
John’s best friend described the horror of witnessing his friend’s struggle for life, noting that instead of seeking help, the men filmed a dying John. “There are no words to express how painful it is to see someone you care about in such distress,” she said.
“If this situation hadn’t happened, we might not have connected the dots about how gay men were being targeted,” she added, reflecting on the broader implications of these crimes.
Thanks to the relentless pursuit of justice by Linda Clary and Detective Rose, the predators were caught. This time, the justice system did its job.
