Prosecutors say that in June 2012, Duarte, co-defendant Jose L. Ramirez-Merced, and others sold heroin on the West Side of Buffalo. On July 15, 2012, the group planned a home invasion robbery targeting the residence of suspected heroin dealer Jose Rivera. However, the defendants and others invaded the wrong residence and stole cocaine and cash.
As a result, Rivera began making threats against individuals in the group and attempted to kill one of the individuals known as L.B. In response, the group decided to murder Rivera. On July 31, 2012, Duarte and Merced obtained two guns and proceeded to a residence on West Avenue in Buffalo where they opened fire, killing Rivera and wounding a female.
Merced was convicted and sentenced to 240 months in prison.
from US Dept. of Justice via IFTTT
