A Suffolk County judge has sentenced Darwin Josue Maldonado Vanegas to 25 years to life in prison for what prosecutors described as the execution-style killing of his basement roommate in Bay Shore.
The victim, 24-year-old Daniel Nunez-Hernandez, was found shot to death inside a Bay Shore home on April 3, 2025. Prosecutors told jurors the killing happened in the basement of the residence and pushed for a lengthy prison term at sentencing, which was imposed on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Verdict and Sentence
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office said Maldonado Vanegas received a 25-years-to-life sentence after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder, according to Daily Voice. Jurors returned the guilty verdict on March 18, 2026, as reported by Patch.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, responding officers found Nunez-Hernandez with gunshot wounds on April 3 and recovered two 9mm shell casings near his body. Investigators later found a 12-round 9mm magazine hidden between the mattress and box spring of Maldonado Vanegas’ bed, evidence that prosecutors highlighted for jurors at trial, per the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
Flight, Capture and Trial
Prosecutors say that after the shooting, Maldonado Vanegas fled New York, withdrew a large amount of cash, and traveled through Atlantic City before ultimately being arrested in Miami on May 7, 2025. That alleged flight, along with the physical evidence collected in the case, formed a key part of the county’s argument at trial and preceded the March conviction, according to Patch.
Immigration and Next Steps
The District Attorney’s office said federal authorities are expected to seek the deportation of Maldonado Vanegas after he serves his state sentence, noting that he is a lawful permanent resident from El Salvador, per Daily Voice. Court processing of the state conviction will proceed before any federal immigration action is taken.
