Berinzon Moronta, Suspect in Tahj Robinson's Killing, Indicted

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY - Tarrytown resident Berinzon Moronta, 17, was arraigned Tuesday in connection with the stabbing death of Tahj Robinson, 17, on October 9 in Barnhart Park in Sleepy Hollow.

Moronta was arraigned on an indictment charging him with:

• one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A” Felony,
• one count of Tampering With Physical Evidence, a class “E” Felony,
• one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a class “A” Misdemeanor,

On the night in question, according to Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, Moronta “along with several others entered the park with the express purpose of locating and injuring [Robinson].”

The specifics of the argument that led to the altercation were not disclosed.

“Moronta approached Robinson and began stabbing the victim with a knife resulting in multiple stab wounds to the torso including wounds to the heart and lungs,” according to DiFiore.

He was arrested the next day by Westchester County Police in a joint investigation with the Sleepy Hollow Police Department.

Moronta has been remanded to Westchester County Jail and is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5, 2016.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Laura Murphy and Joseph Servino of the Superior Court Trial Division are prosecuting the case.

Photo: Berinzon Moronta. Photo credit: Westchester County District Attorney’s office