Omar Bonilla
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a 17-year old Yonkers resident was indicted for Murder, Attempted Murder and numerous weapons charges for his role in two separate shootings in Yonkers.
The defendant, who was 16 years old at the time of these incidents, was charged by indictment with Murder in the Second Degree for his role in the shooting death of Omar Bonilla. This homicide occurred on Locust Hill Ave. at Lafayette Pl. in Yonkers on New Year’s Day this year.
The defendant was also charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree for his role in another Yonkers shooting which occurred on December 14, 2024. He also faces three separate counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in connection to these shootings.
He was arraigned on May 23, 2025 where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Due to his age he was remanded to the custody of the Westchester County Department of Corrections at Woodfield Cottage.
The defendant faces an additional charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for yet another incident where he was allegedly found in possession of a loaded firearm on April 29th in Yonkers.
DA Cacace said: “When examining the facts surrounding the violent crimes alleged in these indictments, it becomes clear that our most violent criminals are continuing to exploit New York State’s “Raise the Age” law. The DA’s Office will continue to do everything we can to hold these violent, young criminals accountable for their actions however we, as a society, must closely study this issue and, if necessary, adjust our laws for the sake of safety and justice.”
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life for the Murder charge.
This investigation was conducted by the Yonkers Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by the DA’s Office’s Homicide Bureau and Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau.
A GoFundMe Page for Omar Bonilla’s family has been created at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-omar-bonilla-srs-family-in-grief. “We are heartbroken to share the devastating loss of Omar Bonilla SR, a man whose love, kindness, and strength touched everyone he met. A devoted father, a loving husband, and a loyal friend, OMAR BONILLA SR was the kind of person who always put others first. Tragically, OMAR BONILLA SR was taken from us far too soon in a senseless act of violence. He was both shot and attacked, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him. The funds raised will go toward funeral expenses, medical bills, and helping his wife and children navigate the days ahead without their beloved husband and father.”
In 2018, New York State raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18. Before the change, New York was one of only two states that automatically prosecuted 16- and 17-year-olds as adults.
