New York

Shocking Twist Delays Sentencing for Driver in Hit-And-Run Case That Killed DJ Jynx

Kevin Ozoria faced five years of probation and community service; Unclear how the latest developments will impact his plea deal

What to Know

  • Kevin Ozoria, 28, pleaded guilty in connection with the crash that killed John Paul Guerrero, also known as DJ Jinx Paul, back in 2016
  • Ozoria reached a plea deal in March, just before his trial was to begin, that keeps him out of jail; the victim's family was left frustrated
  • Sentencing postponed after the judge found he was in violation of the plea agreement following an arrest for alleged sexual abuse

The man who pleaded guilty in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a popular Spanish radio DJ in Brooklyn more than two years ago had his sentencing postponed after the judge found he was in violation of the plea agreement following an arrest over the week for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

In March, Kevin Ozoria, 28, pleaded guilty to a single count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it, a deal that left the victim's family frustrated. Ozoria had been indicted on charges of leaving the scene of the deadly 2016 crash in East New York and tampering with evidence. He was accused of driving the car that hit John Paul Guerrero, also known as DJ Jinx Paul, six days before Christmas that year.

Ozoria's charges were dropped after the Brooklyn district attorney said there wasn’t enough evidence showing he drove the car.

During the sentencing hearing Wednesday, after the judge was made aware of Ozoria's resent arrest for allegedly sexually abusing a minor over the age of 13, he postponed sentencing and ruled Ozoria be taken into custody for violating his plea deal.

Ozoria’s arraignment on the sexual assault charge is scheduled for May.

It is unclear how the latest developments will impact Ozoria's plea deal and the case related to DJ Jynx's death. 

His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

Outside the courtroom Wednesday, Guerrero's father addressed the media in Spanish saying he was content with the fact Ozoria was taken into custody.

"I'm happy because I think that there is now starting to be some sort of justice," he said.

A radio colleague of Guerrero also addressed the media outside the courtroom, saying in Spanish that the "pieces are slowly falling into place."

Relatives of Guerrero told News 4 they were reluctant to accept the terms of his plea deal, but felt the district attorney's hands were tied. The deal Ozoria made in March calls for zero jail time. He faced five years of probation and community service; he also waived his right to appeal. 

Outside court, Guerrero's father cried saying the suspect took his son's life, leaving him to die on the street.

Ozoria left court that day with his attorney without commenting. A crowd of Guerrero supporters are expected to show Wednesday for what is expected to be an emotional victim impact statement.

Guerrero was a much-loved disc jockey who had become well known to listeners of radio station Mega 97.9. At a vigil following his death, hundreds of fellow DJs and fans lit candles and cried as they mourned him. He left behind a young son. 

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