Queens, NY — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing of Dennis Vassilenko, a reputed member of the Crips 8 Trey gang, to 20 years to life in prison for the 2021 murder of 17-year-old Eduardo Hernandez-Martinez in Corona. The sentencing follows Vassilenko’s conviction of second-degree murder in a jury trial.
The incident, which took place in broad daylight in front of a Corona barbershop on July 7, 2021, involved Vassilenko fatally shooting Hernandez-Martinez at point-blank range during what was supposed to be a marijuana sale. According to court records, after leading Hernandez-Martinez from a smoke shop to the barbershop location, Vassilenko drew a firearm from his backpack and fired two shots into the victim’s chest.
Justice Kenneth Holder delivered the sentence today, marking a significant legal closure to the violent act that claimed the young teen’s life. Vassilenko’s co-defendant, Stephanie Pena, had previously been sentenced in June 2022 to one to three years in prison after pleading guilty to hindering prosecution.
DA Katz emphasized the commitment of her office to removing guns from the streets and prosecuting crime drivers while supporting youth in making positive choices. She expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some comfort to the victim’s family.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric Weinstein of the Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of other senior legal staff. Vassilenko’s history of violent behavior, including assaults on inmates while detained at Rikers Island, was highlighted during the trial.