Mother of Bronx Teen Supporting Cuomo for Mayor to Curb Crime

The mother of a 15-year-old boy who was tragically killed in a gang attack in 2018 has expressed her support for ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming mayoral race, believing he is the most qualified to address New York City’s rising crime rates.

Leandra Feliz, whose son Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz was murdered during a violent assault, stated, “I don’t want to see any more parents losing their children.” She emphasized the urgent need for change in the city’s approach to crime.

Andrew Cuomo and Leandra Feliz at a press conference. — Leandra Feliz, mother of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, supports Cuomo as the candidate best suited to combat Gotham’s violent crime problem.

In 2018, 24 members of the “Trinitarios” gang were arrested for a brutal attack on Junior that was captured on video, revealing a case of mistaken identity. Feliz appeared alongside Cuomo at a Bronx news conference commemorating her son’s death seven years later.

Cuomo, the current leading candidate in the Democratic primary, has campaigned on a law-and-order platform, proposing to hire an additional 5,000 police officers. He has criticized his opponent, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani—who has called for reducing police funding—as too radical.

Cuomo showcased social media posts from Mamdani that advocated defunding the NYPD, framing himself as the candidate with experience and qualifications to restore safety.

A woman holds a sign that reads "Justice for Junior," next to a police officer. The sign features a photo of Junior. — Outside court in 2018, Feliz held a sign advocating for justice for her son.

Feliz’s home serves as a memorial to her son, adorned with his smiling images, a framed jacket he wore as an NYPD Explorer, and a shirt with his name and the words “Gone, but not forgotten.”

“Nobody feels safe in New York… We need help. This isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone,” she said. “I don’t want to see any more parents losing their children.”