Fernando Jimenez Meza is expected to serve 37 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced in December
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Fernando Jimenez Meza, 41, of Yorktown Heights, pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to murdering 15-year-old Michael Raimondi at the Raimondi family household in Somers last year, in addition to attempting to murder Raimondi’s brother and mother and committing other, related felonies.
Judge George Fufidio accepted the guilty pleas Thursday and promised the defendant a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison on the top charge and 12 years in state prison on the attempted murder charges, to run consecutively with the top charge, for a total sentence of 37 years to life in state prison.
Specifically, Jimenez Meza pleaded guilty to each and every count in an indictment charging him with:
• Murder in the Second Degree (A felony, 1 count)
• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (B felony, 2 counts)
• Assault in the First Degree (B felony, 2 counts)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (C felony, 2 counts)
• Menacing in the Second Degree (A misdemeanor, 2 counts)
The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on Dec. 18 before Judge Fufidio.
DA Cacace said: “Almost one year ago to this day, the Raimondi family suffered an unspeakable tragedy they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. The defendant stole a son, brother, cousin and friend, leaving them with only the blessing of his memory. Michael Raimondi was a beautiful soul, and the outpouring of support and love from the community is a testament to his strong character even at the young age of 15. I hope these guilty pleas and the substantial sentence the defendant is expected to receive provide the Raimondis with a measure of closure, and my office will be here to support them through every phase of this process.”
On Oct. 28, 2024, following a verbal dispute at the Raimondi household, Jimenez Meza left the home, retrieved a revolver from his car, returned to the home and shot Christina Raimondi.
After shooting Christina, Jimenez Meza went into her sons’ bedroom and shot her two sons — Michael, 15 years old at the time, and Matthew, 13 years old at the time — multiple times. Michael died from his injuries.
The investigation into this incident was conducted by the New York State Police, in conjunction with the Westchester County Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Division Chief Nadine Nagler and Bureau Chief James Bavero.
