A late-night argument on a Riverdale corner that ended with a single gunshot to the head has now led to a guilty plea. Yonkers resident Fidencio Abreu pleaded guilty on May 19 to second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the July 11, 2025 killing of 35-year-old Francisco Vallejo, prosecutors said. Authorities say the two men got into a dispute that escalated until Abreu fired the fatal shot.
DA Calls Shooting 'Despicable' After Plea
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace did not mince words in announcing the plea. She said Abreu shot his friend in the head and that the guilty plea "will ensure that the defendant spends a significant amount of time in prison for his despicable conduct," according to Daily Voice. Prosecutors said Abreu entered the plea on Tuesday, May 19.
Shooting Details and Scene
The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. on July 11, 2025, near the intersection of Ludlow Street and Riverdale Avenue, where authorities found Vallejo with a single gunshot wound to the head, as reported by News 12. Investigators say the men knew each other and that the argument between them escalated before the shot was fired.
Abreu fled the scene but did not get far. He was later located at an apartment near Radford Street and Riverdale Avenue, where he was arrested without incident, according to Patch. He was arraigned in Westchester County Court on related charges following his July arrest.
What the Plea Means in Court
Under New York law, murder in the second degree is a class A‑I felony that can carry a lengthy prison term. Many types of second‑degree murder carry a mandatory minimum sentence that begins around 15 years and can extend to life, according to FindLaw. Abreu’s exact sentence will be set by the court after filings from prosecutors and defense counsel.
Who Investigated and Prosecuted
The case was investigated by the Yonkers Police Department and prosecuted by Homicide Bureau Chief Brian Bendish and Cold Case Bureau Chief Daniel Flecha, the DA's office said, Daily Voice reports. Court records will formally reflect the plea and set out the schedule for sentencing in Westchester County Court.
Family members of the victim have not publicly commented in coverage so far. This story will be updated when a sentencing date is set and more court filings become available.
