BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A 21-year-old man’s fatal shooting inside a Sunset Park apartment building has led to lengthy prison sentences for twin brothers, prosecutors say, after a gang alliance formed on Rikers Island triggered the targeted killing.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that Armando Octaviano, 25, was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison for the murder, while his twin brother, Jonny Octaviano, 25, received five to 15 years for his role in the conspiracy.
Killing Traced to Jailhouse Alliance
Prosecutors say the violence stemmed from a conspiracy that began while Jonny Octaviano was incarcerated on Rikers Island for an unrelated case.
During that time, he allegedly formed an alliance with another inmate, linking a Brooklyn-based gang with a Manhattan group. In the days leading up to the shooting, the brothers and their associates met and agreed to carry out acts of violence, including the killing.
According to trial evidence, the plan culminated on October 1, 2021, when Armando Octaviano traveled to a residential building near 46th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Victim Shot Inside Apartment Lobby
Once inside the building lobby, Armando Octaviano shot 21-year-old Jorge Sanango in the chest, killing him, prosecutors said.
He fled the scene but was later identified through surveillance video and additional evidence gathered by investigators.
A jury convicted Armando Octaviano on March 17, 2026, of second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Jonny Octaviano was convicted the same day of second-degree conspiracy.
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Key Points
• Twin brothers sentenced in connection to 2021 Sunset Park lobby murder
• Prosecutors say plot originated from gang alliance formed on Rikers Island
• Gunman receives 24 years to life; brother gets 5 to 15 years for conspiracy
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Prosecutors Emphasize Broader Impact
“This murder grew out of a conspiracy formed while one of these defendants was incarcerated and resulted in a calculated act of gun violence that killed a young man and put entire communities at risk,” District Attorney Gonzalez said.
The case highlights how criminal networks can extend beyond incarceration, with prosecutors pointing to coordination that continued outside jail walls.
What Comes Next
Both defendants have now been sentenced following their March 2026 convictions, concluding the prosecution phase of the case.
Armando Octaviano will serve a sentence of 24 years to life, while Jonny Octaviano will serve an indeterminate term of five to 15 years, with no further court dates announced.
brooklyn murder sentencing, sunset park shooting, rikers island conspiracy
