Bronx widow speaks out after husband's fatal beating

Leslie Sanchez, a 56-year-old fruit vendor in the Bronx, was attacked on the evening of September 12, 2023, while working at his selling spot on East Fordham Road. The assault was reportedly unprovoked, with Sanchez being wrestled to the ground and struck in the head with a baseball bat by two men, Romel Jarrett and Terrence Downes. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital in critical condition and tragically passed away two days later on September 14. The Bronx District Attorney's Office indicated that the charges against Jarrett and Downes could be upgraded when they are arraigned on a new indictment scheduled for October 15. Both men have prior criminal records, with Jarrett having been arrested for assault and Downes for attempted murder in the past. This history raises concerns about the nature of their actions and the potential for repeat offenses. Maciel Vasquez, Sanchez's widow, has publicly expressed her grief and outrage over her husband's death, describing him as a hardworking and honest man who never caused trouble. She has called on law enforcement and government officials to ensure justice is served, emphasizing the emotional toll the incident has taken on her and their three children, including a baby. The community has been shaken by this violent act, with friends and family mourning the loss of a beloved vendor. The brutal nature of the attack and the circumstances surrounding it have sparked discussions about safety and violence in public spaces, particularly for vulnerable individuals like street vendors.