Feb. 3, 2021 By Christian Murray
A homeless man was sentenced to 17 years in prison today after pleading guilty to manslaughter for the stabbing death of a 25-year-old man in Jackson Heights in 2018.
John Daves, 34, who pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter in December 2020, fatally stabbed Miguel Angel Becerra-Perez, after getting into an argument with the victim at a food truck located at the intersection of 80th Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
The dispute took place while the pair were waiting in line for their food at around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2018, according to the Queens District Attorney.
The argument escalated and Daves then grabbed a knife from the food truck.
He chased Becerra-Perez down the street, before pulling him to the ground and stabbing him in the arm and chest.
“A disagreement between two strangers escalated to a senseless killing of an unarmed man,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz in a statement. “I hope this gives the family of the victim some comfort, knowing their loved one’s killer has been held accountable.”