A Queens man has been charged with murder for allegedly beating a man to death in Corona last month (Photo: iStock)
Dec. 6, 2022 By Czarinna Andres
A 20-year-old Queens man has been charged with murder and gang assault for the beating death of a man in Corona last month.
Michael Santander, of 39th Avenue in Corona, was arraigned Wednesday for allegedly killing 22-year-old Esvin Vasquez at around 2 a.m. on Nov. 13 at a BP Gas Station on Junction Boulevard near 44th Avenue in Corona.
According to the complaint, Santander was part of a group of unapprehended individuals who knocked Vasquez to the ground, where they kicked him in the head and body repeatedly.
Santander, based on video footage, also struck Vazquez in the head with a wooden board. The board was also used by Santander on another victim, who sustained multiple broken ribs.
“The life of a young father was cut short in a shockingly brutal attack,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz in a statement. “As alleged, the defendant kicked and battered one victim causing his death and seriously injured a second. The defendant will be held accountable, and we will find the other perpetrators of this heinous assault.”
Santander was also charged with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Santander faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
