Help Christina and Matthew Overcome Tragedy-GoFundMe Account Reaches $160,000
By Dan Murphy
The northern Westchester and Putnam County communities are mourning the murder of 15 year old Michael Raimondi, who died from gunshot wounds on October 28 at his home in Baldwin Place-Somers, and are shocked at the incident and the shooter, 40 year old Fernando Jimenez, who was an illegal resident of the US.
ICE has confirmed to us that Jiminez was an illegal resident of Westchester County when he shot his ex-girlfriend, Christina Raimondi, and her two sons, Michael and Matthew.
Shortly after the shooting, the grandparents of Michael and Matthew were notified and sped to the complex on Route 6. The shooter was still at the scene, and pointed his gun at the grandparents before escaping into the night.
One day later Jiminez was caught in Putnam Valley. Shortly after his arrest, ICE reported on their history with him. We received the following email from ICE, “Fernando Andres Jimenez Meza is a 40-year-old unlawfully present citizen of Chile who entered the United States on an unknown date and location without inspection, admission or parole by an immigration official. U.S. Border Patrol encountered him at or near Tecate, Calif., Aug. 11, 2004, and during this encounter, he claimed to be to be Erik Melendez-Arellano from Mexico, after which he was voluntarily returned to Mexico. Jimenez unlawfully reentered the United States at some point after that encounter.
“ERO New York City lodged an immigration detainer with Westchester County Jail, Oct. 30, where Jimenez is currently being held on local charges. Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy, considering the circumstances of each case. ERO officers make decisions on associated enforcement actions and apply prosecutorial discretion in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects the communities we serve.
“Noncitizens who are apprehended by ICE have their case reviewed by an ICE officer to determine their custody status. Noncitizens subject to mandatory detention are placed in ICE detention facilities, while those who are released constitute ERO’s non-detained docket. ICE officers weigh a variety of factors when making general custody determinations, including criminal record, immigration history, community ties, flight risk, and whether the individual poses a potential threat to public safety or national security,” said an ICE spokesperson.
Jiminez’s whereabouts are not known to law enforcement until 2018, when he was arrested in Yonkers for DWI. He was released after receiving a $500 fine. Media reports also have Jiminez being charged with assault also in 2018.
A vigil was held in Somers to mourn the death of Michael Raimondi, a student at Somers High School. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Raimondi family, and has already raised $166,000 to date. www.gofundme.com/f/help-christina-and-matthew-overcome-tragedy?
“We’re reaching out during a moment of profound heartbreak on behalf of Christina and her two beloved sons, Matthew and Michael. Recently, this family endured a devastating domestic violence incident. Michael, a cherished 15-year-old son and brother, tragically lost his life, and now Christina and Matthew are both in critical condition. As Christina fights for her life, she faces the unimaginable reality of having to bury her child. Their road to recovery will be long, arduous, and filled with immense challenges.
“Christina is a loving, devoted mother who has always put her family above all else. Matthew, her surviving son, is a bright, kindhearted young soul who brings warmth to everyone around him. Together, they’ve shown remarkable strength and resilience, but they cannot face this alone.
“Your generosity, in any amount, will go directly towards their medical care, therapy, funeral arrangements, and the support they need to start healing. Please, let’s come together to show them that they are not alone—that we’re here for them in this fight, “states the GoFundMe page.
Assemblyman Matt Slater said, “The horrific murder of a high school student in my district is just more proof that we need to repeal New York’s and Westchester’s sanctuary policies.”
Congressman Mike Lawler said, “The horrific killing in Somers of a high school child by an illegal immigrant is a story that’s been repeated across the nation far too many times.”
Jiminez was charged with 2nd degree murder, two counts of 2nd degree attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Both Michael and Mattew were Westchester County Police Cadets. “Our Westchester County Police Cadet, Michael Raimondi, was killed in a tragic domestic violence incident yesterday in Somers, NY that also left his mother, Christina, and brother, Matthew, also one of our Cadets, in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The suspect was captured by police. Please keep them in your prayers and please, if you can find it in your hearts to donate to the family, that would be greatly appreciated!”
This is the first time that a violent criminal offense resulting in death, has occurred in Westchester County.
Due to a lack of cooperation between Westchester County law enforcement and ICE, ICE will have to make an application with a Judge to get custody of the murder suspect, who has reportedly confessed to the crime.
Mr. Raimondi is recovering while Matthew is still in serious condition.
