A New York jury has found Dennis Ray, 64, guilty of second-degree murder, assault, and two counts of robbery in connection with a violent 2022 attack that led to the death of 59-year-old Jose Osma. The conviction comes four years after Osma was discovered severely beaten behind a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Hempstead, New York.
Details of the Attack and Discovery
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Ray and an accomplice, Tyrell Guthrie, robbed Osma and beat him “within an inch of his life” on the night of April 22, 2022. The following morning at around 6:30 a.m., a passerby found Osma unconscious at the scene.
Victim’s Condition and Identification
Osma was rushed to a hospital, where he was initially treated as a John Doe due to the lack of identification. He suffered multiple fractures to his skull and face. His family reported him missing the same day he was admitted, and he was officially identified two days later, on April 24, 2022.
Long Medical Struggle and Death
What followed was a prolonged and painful medical ordeal. Osma endured repeated brain surgeries, paralysis, rehabilitation, and multiple hospitalizations. Despite efforts to save him, he died from his injuries on April 30, 2023, more than a year after the attack.
Arrests and Evidence
Guthrie was arrested near the crime scene the day after the assault by Nassau County Police. He had blood on his clothing and was found carrying Ray’s jacket, which was also stained with Osma’s blood. Ray himself was arrested on May 7, 2022.
Co-Defendant Plea and Sentencing
Guthrie later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on November 9, 2023. He was sentenced in January 2024 to 18 years in prison for his role in the crime.
Ray’s Lack of Remorse and Upcoming Sentencing
Prosecutors said Ray showed no remorse following the attack and even bragged about the robbery and violence shortly afterward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12 and faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
