QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Dewayne Henry, 45, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of 65-year-old grocery clerk Jorge Marte during a botched robbery in Jamaica in 2011. Henry has been incarcerated on unrelated charges for much of the time since the murder.
District Attorney Katz expressed hope that the sentencing would provide closure for Marte’s family and noted that they described their pain and anguish to the defendant during the trial. She also hopes they find solace in knowing that the man responsible for their loved one’s death will be in prison for a long time.
Henry, of Long Street in Jamaica, was convicted in February of murder in the second degree, attempted robbery in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Queens Criminal Court Judge Michael Aloise sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.
According to the charges, on July 8, 2011, Henry, wearing a white cloth mask, entered the Melani Grocery on Guy Brewer Boulevard near 112th Street. He approached the counter carrying a semi-automatic pistol, demanded cash from the register, and forced Marte’s friend to the front of the store. Marte attempted to stop Henry with a kitchen knife but was fatally shot in the chest.
A search for evidence at the Melani Grocery found a spent 9mm cartridge casing, and security camera footage captured Henry approaching and fleeing the scene. Further investigation connected Henry to the crime through the firearm used, a Mitsubishi Eclipse seen near the scene, and DNA found on a pillowcase left at the store.