Fernando Andres Jimenez Meza, a Chilean national accused of shooting his girlfriend and her two teenage sons in Somers, New York, returned to the United States after being deported two decades ago. Using an illegally possessed handgun, Jimenez Meza shot his girlfriend and her two sons, killing 15-year-old Michael Raimondi and injuring his mother and younger brother. The 38-year-old mother had been in an on-and-off relationship with Jimenez Meza for the past three or four years. A vigil for Michael Raimondi described him as a creative and imaginative individual who loved origami, cars, and Legos.
Following the shooting, Jimenez Meza was captured in Putnam Valley. A retired NYPD detective turned real estate agent helped apprehend him after noticing suspicious activity at her office and identifying him from surveillance footage. Despite being bitten by a police dog during his arrest, Jimenez Meza was taken into custody. He is currently being held at Westchester County Jail without bail on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. ICE placed an immigration detainer on him.
Jimenez Meza had previous encounters with law enforcement, including being arrested for a drunken driving charge in 2018 and released on a $500 fine. It is unclear whether local authorities were aware of his illegal immigration status at the time. The New York Post reported that he was also charged with assault that year, but the details of the case are sealed. Jimenez Meza initially entered the country illegally near Tecate, California, in 2004, where he identified himself as a Mexican national named Erik Melendez-Arellano to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
The tragic killing in Somers has reignited the debate on illegal immigration, with U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., highlighting the need for stronger immigration policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring across the nation. The incident involving Jimenez Meza serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who reenter the country unlawfully and engage in criminal activities. The victim, Michael Raimondi, was described as a talented and imaginative young man with a passion for creativity and learning.
The involvement of a retired NYPD detective in the capture of Jimenez Meza showcases the importance of community members working together with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of their neighborhoods. The quick response and collaboration between the detective and state troopers led to the swift apprehension of the suspect, preventing him from causing further harm. The case highlights the resilience and dedication of individuals who take action to protect their communities from dangerous criminals like Jimenez Meza.
