Decades Behind Bars: Three Men Sentenced for Murder in Shocking NYC Gay Bar Drugging Scheme

A Manhattan judge has handed down lengthy prison sentences to three men involved in a disturbing robbery scheme targeting gay bars in New York City. This criminal act, which involved drugging and robbing victims, resulted in the tragic deaths of two men.

On Wednesday, Jayqwan Hamilton, 37, Jacob Barroso, 32, and Robert DeMaio, 36, received sentences of 40 years to life and 20 years to life, respectively. They were convicted of murder, robbery, and conspiracy. The victims, Julio Ramirez, 25, and John Umberger, 33, were killed in spring 2022.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed a shocking pattern. The trio would meet men outside popular gay bars, drug them with a cocktail that included fentanyl, and then use facial recognition technology to unlock their victims’ phones. This led to thefts totaling thousands of dollars from banking and payment apps. Their actions were described by Judge Felicia Mennin as cold and calculated.

Hamilton and Barroso maintained their innocence at the sentencing. "I made some mistakes and I regret them," Hamilton stated, expressing sympathy towards the victims. However, Carlos Ramirez, Julio’s brother, intensely criticized the defendants. He described their crime as intentionally evil and requested life sentences, labeling them a “threat to society.”

The courtroom was filled with family and friends of both the victims and the accused. Umberger’s mother, Linda Clary, shared her heartbreak, calling her son’s death preventable and emphasizing the love that has emerged from this tragedy.

The case gained public attention in May 2022 after Ramirez’s death was reported by NBC News. He was found in a taxi after a night out at the Ritz Bar and Lounge. Days later, Umberger was discovered dead in a nearby townhouse, where footage from the night of his death showed the defendants partying in the same room.

Both victims had a mix of drugs in their systems according to the medical examiners. While defense lawyers argued that it was unclear which drugs caused the deaths, the prosecution underscored the defendants’ role in drugging and robbing them.

In the wake of the murders, many survivors have come forward, sharing similar tales of near-misses with these criminals. This prompted action from city officials. In 2023, the New York City Police Department, alongside the mayor’s office, initiated a review of past unsolved cases involving LGBTQ victims, aiming to address criticisms about the handling of these cases.

The impact of this crime has resonated beyond the courtroom. It highlights ongoing concerns about safety for LGBTQ individuals in urban nightlife scenes. As the legal aftermath unfolds, advocacy for better victim support and awareness continues to grow within the community.

The circumstances surrounding these events underscore a troubling trend, prompting discussions on safety measures and the need for vigilance in nightlife. While communities rally for justice, the scars from this case will linger, reminding all of the importance of protecting everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

For more information on support resources for LGBTQ individuals or safety measures in nightlife, you can refer to the Human Rights Campaign.

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