Following a chilling series of events that started with an attempted murder for retaliation, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office reported hefty prison sentences for the individuals engaged in an intricate murder for hire conspiracy. Anthony Lopez, aged 34, received a daunting 28 ½ years-to-life in state prison after a jury recognized the gravity of his role in the scheme that led to the tragic death of James Weeks, an innocent bystander who became a victim of senseless violence, according to Manhattan D.A. Bragg’s announcement. Lopez was shot three times in April 2019 and sought payback with such a fervent obsession that he tied the tragic fate of Weeks in his quest that started on social media, fueled by lyrics and ominous promises of retribution.
In the tortuous path of revenge that Lopez followed, Christopher Vazquez and David Young joined him, receiving prison terms themselves for their part in the conspiracy. While Vazquez was given 25 years to life on October 9, 2024, Young pleaded guilty, for which he received a lighter sentence of 10 years, somewhat reflecting his admission and cooperation. As the D.A.’s office illustrated, the plan involved careful plotting and a sequence of meetings and communications that culminated in a commuter dressed in a hooded sweatshirt arriving at a final rendezvous near a tragic mistake.
Malik Facey, 25, who was found guilty by a jury and is awaiting sentencing on April 4, fired the shots that tragically took Weeks’ life. Disturbingly, Lopez did not stop after Weeks’ death; from behind bars, he continued to orchestrate his plans, offering a bounty over the phone and promising payment for the execution of revenge—conversations that were recorded as part of the legal investigation. Young’s guilty plea also shed light on the fact that Lopez had continued actively plotting even after Weeks’ death…