Queens woman’s killer facing 17 years behind bars in manslaughter plea deal
An armed killer who fatally shot a young Queens woman as she defended her fiancé's family took a plea deal Tuesday that will land him in prison for 17 years.
Jonel Lattore, 38, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Aug. 15, 2017, slaying of Teriana Holcombe, 21. Lattore shot the day care center worker and camp counselor in the head on the corner of Murdock Ave. and 198th St. in St. Albans, after her fiancé's cousins got into a brawl with rivals outside a bodega.
The fight was the latest chapter in a four-year feud between the cousins and another group of men, cops said.
After battling outside the deli, the groups fought again on Murdock St., with Holcombe, her fiancé and his mother squaring off against their adversaries inside a store. Holcombe’s sister said in 2017 she was trying to get her fiancé away from the confrontation.
As Holcombe walked away, Lattore yelled to her and opened fire at the group, hitting her in the head.
Lattore, of St. Albans, is set to be sentenced in Queens Supreme Court Dec. 6, when Justice Kenneth Holder is expected to sentence him to 17 years in prison, followed by five years of postrelease supervision.
“This was a senseless shooting. The defendant has now admitted his guilt and will be punished for his criminal actions,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Tuesday.
Lattore’s lawyer did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
