People v. Mateo

OPINION OF THE COURT

Wesley, J.

Defendant was charged under a 22-count indictment for an array of criminal activities, including the intentional murders of four people, in Rochester, New York. According to the People’s proof at the Grand Jury, Joangel Toro and Johvanny Diaz were murdered in the City of Rochester during the early morning hours of August 6, 1995 while they stood next to each other at a telephone booth. Defendant and his cousin (who was allegedly hired to “kneecap” Diaz) armed themselves with .38 caliber and .45 caliber handguns, and sought out Diaz. Wearing stocking-style masks…