In a case that shook the community, two individuals from Hudson County have been handed a stern judgment, receiving a 30-year sentence in state prison for their involvement in a fatal armed robbery that occurred in 2019. The sentencing, announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, serves as a reminder of the consequences awaiting those who perpetrate heinous acts of violence.
The incident took place in Fairview during the fateful year of 2019, when the defendants, Raul Torres of North Bergen and Carlos Burgos of Jersey City, committed a brazen armed robbery that tragically resulted in the loss of a life. On June 29, 2019, Torres, Burgos and others conspired to rob David Duque Soto at his home at 415 4th Avenue in Fairview. During this armed robbery, Duque Soto was shot and subsequently died of his injuries. On March 31, 2023, Burgos and Torres pled guilty to entering the apartment armed with loaded handguns and shooting and killing the victim.
The pair are subject to the No Early Release Act, which requires that they serve 85% of their sentence without parole.
After an arduous legal process, the defendants faced trial in a court of law, where the weight of the evidence against them could not be ignored. The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting the defendants’ direct involvement in the armed robbery and subsequent loss of life. The defense mounted their arguments, striving to establish doubt, but the overwhelming evidence stacked against them proved insurmountable.
Torres and Burgos are the latest defendants to be sentenced in this multi-defendant case. In March, a jury convicted David Martinez of felony murder for his role in this shooting, and he was sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison on April 28, 2023. Lexie Burke previously pled guilty to aggravated manslaughter, robbery, and conspiracy, and is scheduled for sentencing on June 23, 2023.
This sentencing serves as a poignant reminder that the legal system remains committed to upholding justice, safeguarding communities, and holding accountable those who engage in such egregious acts. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, diligent investigation, and the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
As the Fairview community reflects on this case, the hope is that the memory of the victim will serve as a solemn reminder of the profound impact that crime can have on individuals, families, and society as a whole. The collective determination to prevent such tragedies and foster safer communities will continue to be a priority for law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and residents alike.