An unlicensed dentist in New York and two other individuals are facing several charges stemming from an alleged murder-for-hire plot aimed at protecting a fake dental practice.
The charges stem from the August 2022 murder of 23-year-old Byron Martinez.
In 2022, Mr. Martinez’ mother received dental treatment from Yolani Mejia Carranza, who had allegedly been practicing dentistry without a license in Huntington Station, N.Y. After developing complications from the dental procedure, the mother demanded a refund and informed Ms. Carranza that her son had recorded her performing the procedure. She threatened to report the unlicensed dental practice if Ms. Carranza did not reimburse her, according to an April 24 news release from the Suffolk County district attorney’s office.
Ms. Carranza, 56, allegedly asked Aldo Esmizadeh, 70, if he knew anyone who would “hurt” people. Mr. Esmizadeh allegedly connected Ms. Carranza with Daniel Kersey, 35. Mr. Kersey allegedly agreed to threaten and hurt Mr. Martinez and his mother in exchange for payment.
After a period of time, Ms. Carranza allegedly became dissatisfied that Mr. Kersey had not acted on their agreement and refused to pay Mr. Kersey until the murders were carried out.
Suffolk County Police responded to a 911 call for shots fired at Mr. Martinez’ residence Aug. 2, 2022, at approximately 1:18 a.m. They discovered Mr. Martinez’ body with a gunshot wound to his upper back. He was pronounced dead.
Ms. Carranza was indicted April 23 on several charges, including two counts of murder in the first degree, one count of murder in the second degree, one count of conspiracy in the second degree, one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree, one count of intimidating a victim or witness in the third degree, one count of tampering with physical evidence and one count of unauthorized practice of dentistry. She faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She is due back in court May 20, according to the news release.
Ms. Carranza is also facing charges in a separate case, including three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession for allegedly performing dental work on three individuals between Nov. 1, 2024, and March 13, 2025. She faces up to four years in prison on each count if convicted.
Mr. Kersey was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, one count of murder in the second degree, one count of conspiracy in the second degree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree, one count of intimidating a victim or witness in the third degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence. He faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Mr. Esmizadeh was charged April 23 with conspiracy in the second degree and conspiracy in the fourth degree. He faces up to 25 years in prison.
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