Three suspects arrested in connection to druggings and robberies in Manhattan, including 2 that were deadly
NEW YORK -- New court records reveal details about the drug-induced robberies of people visiting Manhattan bars, including two that were deadly.
Records unsealed Monday show police believe at least five people worked together in a series of crimes for months.
Their M.O. was to approach people leaving bars and "offer and administer" drugs to them, according to investigators. The goal was allegedly to steal money from incapacitated victims.
Linda Clary felt "relieved and thankful" when she hard about the arrest of 34-year-old Robert Demaio on Monday morning.
Demaio is charged with robbing and murdering her son, 33-year-old John Umberger, in May 2022
"I am just confident that God is going to redeem the situation, even if we just save somebody, one other person from being hurt. We don't want anyone to hurt like we have," said Clary.
Demaio and at least one other man, 30-year-old Jacob Barroso, are charged with murdering 25-year-old Julio Ramirez in April 2022.
Both were escorted by police to court to face murder and robbery charges.
According to police, Ramirez and Umberger died of overdoses after separate, drug-induced robberies after nights out at bars in Hell's Kitchen.
Investigators said they obtained messages from 2021 in which Demaio mentioned he can buy fentanyl for "$300 a sleeve."
"Unfortunately these were not isolated incidents and authorities have told me that they believe that this is a growing category of crime, people going out to nightlife venues and victimizing nightlife patrons," said New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher.
Police said the deaths of Ramirez and Umberger were part of a citywide pattern that includes 17 robberies.
Demaio and Barroso also face charges of identity theft, as police believe the crew went into victims' cellphones to access personal financial information.
Sources told CBS2 police are still searching for at least one other suspect: 35-year-old Jayquan Hamilton.
"I just believe that Mr. Hamilton will be caught, or you know, God will take care of him one way the other," said Clary.
CBS2 reached out to attorneys for Barroso, Demaio and a third suspect, Andre Butts, who was also charged with identity theft.
In an email, Barroso's lawyer told us, "Mr. Barroso maintains his innocence. He entered a Not Guilty plea in court today and stands by that plea. We intend to fight these charges and challenge these allegations and accusations in court."
In an email, Demaio's lawyer told us, "When Mr. DeMaio learned he was wanted he opted to turn himself in this morning and right now I am evaluating the case so no comment at this time."
Demaio, Butts and Barroso pleaded not guilty.
