A grieving mother wept on Monday as the accused killer of her 14-year-old son entered the courtroom. This tragic incident took place at a playground in the Bronx.
Police report that Ramona Hernandez de Mendoza’s son, Angel Mendoza, was fatally attacked simply for being in the wrong place at an unfortunate time. One of the four young men charged with his murder reportedly noticed him several times.
The 18-year-olds, Jordan Williams and Andrew Ansa, opted not to testify before the Grand Jury.
Outside the courtroom, Mendoza’s father, Miguel, expressed his determination for justice. “Today… a war of justice has begun,” he stated. “We expect the judges to hold everyone involved in this act of violence accountable. This was not just some street thug; this was a boy.”
According to the police, Ansa, Williams, and two minors, aged 15 and 16, allegedly viciously attacked Mendoza with a knife—a response to a previous incident he was not part of.
Angel, described as a kind and vibrant teen who had a passion for basketball, reggaeton, and rap, was simply in the wrong place when the group arrived at the park.
His untimely death stunned the community and left his family heartbroken. Yet, during the hearing, it became evident that his alleged killer had supporters as well.
As Williams entered the courtroom, eight supporters blew kisses and shouted, “We love you!”
Ansa was also cheered on by five teenage supporters who yelled “free” upon his entrance. This display of support has deeply upset Mendoza’s family.
“Are you making a joke on me?” one relative reacted, clearly taken aback.
Both Ansa and Williams are scheduled to appear again in court on August 27th.
