An illegal migrant from Honduras is accused of killing a 16-year-old girl in New York City.
Police say the suspect used his SUV to mow her down after she rejected his sexual advances.
Deadly Confrontation
The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Edwin Cruz-Gomez.
Edwin Cruz-Gomez
He was reportedly intoxicated outside Prima Donna in Queens at 4 a.m. Saturday.
Cruz-Gomez allegedly approached 16-year-old Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and made lewd comments.
Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez
When she rejected him, an argument broke out between Cruz-Gomez and her group.
Moments later, he climbed into his Chevy Suburban and drove onto the sidewalk.
The SUV slammed into Gomez-Alvarez, pinning her against a pillar.
UPDATE: Man charged with m*rder after fatally mowing down 16-year-old girl on Queens sidewalk
Police say Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, was drunk when he struck 16-year-old Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and her 32-year-old mother with his SUV
The incident happened around 4:15 a.m. outside a bar… pic.twitter.com/QrjVnOPCzP
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) September 14, 2025
Her 32-year-old mother was also struck but survived the attack.
Prior Arrests
Court records show Cruz-Gomez was arrested earlier this year for DWI.
That incident occurred on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island.
His license was suspended following the January 26 arrest.
Despite that, he was behind the wheel again on Saturday morning.
Reports also indicate he had multiple prior DUI arrests.
Illegal Status
Fox News reporter Bill Melugin confirmed Cruz-Gomez is an illegal migrant.
He had been deported previously but reentered the United States.
Immigration officials said he was ignored by ICE in 2024.
He was arrested last October for possession of a forged instrument.
The Biden administration did not classify him as a priority for removal.
Murder Charges
Cruz-Gomez has now been charged with murder for the killing.
Police say his actions were intentional after the confrontation.
Prosecutors accused him of using his vehicle as a weapon.
He is also facing charges tied to his suspended license.
Authorities say the case underscores failures in immigration enforcement.
Community Outrage
The killing sparked outrage in Queens and beyond.
Residents mourned the loss of a teenage girl with her life ahead of her.
Her friends and family gathered to remember her young life cut short.
Conservatives pointed to the case as proof of reckless border policies.
They argue Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez would be alive if Cruz-Gomez had been deported.
