Police announced on Saturday the arrest of the prime suspect who allegedly shot a renowned sneaker reseller to death during a botched SoHo robbery back in June.
Jayquan Straker, 35, of Poughkeepsie, NY was cuffed on Aug. 22 on first- and second-degree murder charges in connection with the June 25 slaying of Javier Osorio-Mejia, 31, outside of 41 Greene St.
According to law enforcement sources, Straker allegedly followed Osorio-Mejia to the Manhattan location after the victim had spent the previous night at a club in Queens with a woman.
Cops said Straker confronted Osorio-Mejia at about 5:16 a.m. on June 25 after the victim parked his vehicle. The suspect allegedly brandished a gun and attempted to rob the victim.
But the robbery went awry, police sources said, and ended when Straker allegedly shot Osorio-Mejia in the right thigh. The shooter took off in a black SUV, leaving the victim to bleed out in the street.
Officers from the 1st Precinct responded to the incident. EMS rushed Osorio-Mejia to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A pair of green sneakers were left on the street covered in blood following the shooting.
“Javier was full of light and a humble heart always trying to help others. A well-known shoe reseller who made it to the top through hard work and sleepless nights. As well as an amazing father to his little girl who he lived for. He loved to spend time with family and brought nothing but laughter and smiles anywhere he went,” part of his obituary read.
Straker was apprehended following a two-month manhunt. In addition to the murder counts, he faces additional charges of first- and second-degree robbery, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
According to court records, Straker was ordered held without bail at his Aug. 23 arraignment in New York County Criminal Court. He is due for a follow-up hearing on Aug. 27.
A first-degree murder conviction in New York carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
