WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A Yorktown Heights man pleaded guilty Thursday to the brutal murder of 15-year-old Michael Raimondi and the attempted murder of the teen’s younger brother and mother during a violent home shooting last October in Somers.
Fernando Jimenez Meza, 41, entered a guilty plea in Westchester County Court to all charges stemming from the October 28, 2024, attack. The charges include second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession.
Judge George Fufidio accepted the plea deal and promised Meza a sentence of 37 years to life in state prison: 25 years to life for the murder charge and an additional 12 years for the attempted murder convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18.
A Deadly Dispute
According to prosecutors, the violence began with a verbal argument inside the Raimondi family home. After the dispute, Meza left the house, retrieved a revolver from his vehicle, and returned.
He shot Christina Raimondi first. Then, he entered the bedroom where her sons, Michael and Matthew, were located and opened fire on both children. Michael, just 15, was fatally wounded. Matthew, 13 at the time, survived despite multiple gunshot injuries.
Full Accountability
District Attorney Susan Cacace stated that Meza pleaded guilty to every charge in the indictment:
- Murder in the Second Degree (1 count)
- Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (2 counts)
- Assault in the First Degree (2 counts)
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (2 counts)
- Menacing in the Second Degree (2 counts)
Cacace said the sentence reflects the severe emotional and physical toll inflicted on the Raimondi family.
“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,” she said. “The defendant stole a son, brother, cousin, and friend, leaving them with only the blessing of his memory.”
Community and Legal Response
The case has drawn widespread community support for the Raimondi family. Friends, neighbors, and local officials have expressed shock and sorrow in the aftermath of the crime. Many have called Michael Raimondi a kind, well-liked teen whose loss deeply impacted Somers and the surrounding communities.
The investigation was led by the New York State Police, with assistance from the Westchester County Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors Nadine Nagler and James Bavero are overseeing the case.
Looking Ahead
The sentencing hearing on Dec. 18 will mark a legal milestone in a case that has shaken Westchester County. While no sentence can undo the damage, officials hope that justice served will bring some closure to the Raimondi family.
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
