NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Backlash for Mourning Accused Murderer
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's condolences for a suspect who died in custody sparked criticism for neglecting the victim of the alleged crime.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing public backlash after extending condolences to the family of Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo, an inmate who died in Department of Corrections custody. Castillo was accused of murder, manslaughter, robbery, and weapons charges in connection with the 2025 slaying of 26-year-old Ron Marte.
Castillo was allegedly involved in robbing Marte of his cellphone in the Bronx's Starlight Park. According to reports, Castillo's alleged accomplice, Axel Martinez, shot Marte as he was walking home from a shift at an Amazon warehouse. Marte was autistic, and his family has spoken about the tragedy of his death.
Mamdani posted on X, "I extend my condolences to his family." The Mayor's office has not publicly commented further on the incident.
The Department of Correction reported that staff observed Castillo, 20, in medical distress at Queens Criminal Court on Wednesday evening. CPR was administered before emergency medical services transported him to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 8 p.m. The DOC has stated that an investigation into his death is ongoing.
Castillo was in court on Wednesday for charges related to a separate incident, according to Gothamist.
The mayor's remarks on X drew immediate criticism from users who accused him of prioritizing criminals over victims. "He robbed and murdered a 26 yo disabled man. You’re a monster," one user wrote. Another questioned, "Why do you mourn the death of prisoners and not one single victim?"
This is not the first time Mamdani's public statements about deceased inmates have drawn criticism. Last month, he offered condolences for Clarence Woodward, an inmate who died at Rikers Island. Relatives of Woodward's alleged victim described Mamdani's remarks as a "slap in the face" for not acknowledging their loss.
Commenters on X drew parallels between the two incidents, with one user stating, "That’s his pattern at this point." Another critic wrote, "You have no moral compass, no decency, no conscience. Shame on you!"
Mamdani's public comments often focus on systemic issues within the justice system and advocating for reform. However, this instance has highlighted a recurring theme of public concern regarding his public expressions of sympathy for individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes.