A previously deported illegal immigrant from Honduras stands accused of using his vehicle as a weapon to murder a 16-year-old Queens girl who rejected his sexual advances, exposing deadly consequences of failed border enforcement.
Story Snapshot
- Edwin Cruz Gomez allegedly killed teen Jhoanny Alvarez after she and family confronted his sexual harassment
- Suspect intentionally drove SUV onto sidewalk, pinning victim against pole while drunk
- Gomez faces murder charges and potential life sentence for premeditated vehicular homicide
- Case highlights intersection of immigration enforcement failures and public safety threats
Sexual Predator Escalates to Murder
Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, of Uniondale, allegedly made crude sexual solicitations toward 16-year-old Jhoanny Alvarez while she walked on Roosevelt Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens on September 14, 2025. When the teen’s boyfriend and stepfather confronted Gomez about his harassment, prosecutors say he responded with lethal force. District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that Gomez “took aim at the group of four” and deliberately used his “3-ton vehicle” as a weapon of revenge.
Deliberate Act of Violence Captured on Video
Surveillance footage reveals the horrific moment Gomez intentionally drove his SUV onto the sidewalk, pinning Alvarez against a pole and killing her instantly. The attack also injured her mother, Delgado Odraccir, and stepfather. Gomez’s blood alcohol level measured nearly twice the legal limit during the rampage. After murdering the teenager, he crashed into a parked vehicle while attempting to flee the scene, demonstrating consciousness of his criminal act.
Serious Charges Reflect Premeditated Crime
Queens prosecutors charged Gomez with second-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault, vehicular manslaughter, and DWI-related offenses. The murder charge indicates prosecutors view this as an intentional homicide rather than a typical drunk driving accident. If convicted, Gomez faces over 25 years to life in prison. Queens Criminal Court Judge Lana Schlesinger ordered him to return to court on September 19, 2025 for continued proceedings.
Family Seeks Justice for Innocent Victim
Jhoanny Alvarez’s devastated mother described her daughter as “a very happy girl” who “had no problems with anyone.” The grieving mother was hospitalized after identifying her daughter’s body and has made public pleas for justice. This senseless tragedy represents exactly the type of preventable crime that occurs when dangerous individuals exploit weakened immigration enforcement. The victim’s family confronted harassment to protect their child, only to face deadly retaliation from a predator who should never have been on American streets.
Sources:
Uniondale Man Charged with Murder for Intentionally Driving into Teen on Roosevelt Avenue
Queens Deadly DWI: Mother Pleads for Justice
