By Daniel Katzive
A judge has handed down a long sentence for the man convicted of murdering 73-year-old Maria Hernandez in her Upper West Side apartment three years ago.
State Supreme Court Judge Felicia Menin sentenced 51-year-old Lashawn Mackey to 35 years to life in state prison on Tuesday. Mackey was convicted by a jury of murder, burglary, sexual abuse, robbery and felony murder charges on May 19. The 10-year sentence for one of the burglary counts was set to run consecutively with the 25-to-life sentence for the primary charge of murder, while the charges for the other crimes will run concurrently, which means Mackey would be at least 86 years old before he might leave prison.
Mackey has continued to maintain his innocence and told the judge before receiving his sentence, “I’m innocent. I did not do the crime.” But Judge Menin called the evidence against Mackey “beyond compelling” and “overwhelming” and described the crime as a planned and predatory attack.
In a lengthy statement, the judge spoke of the depravity of the attack and the impact on the victim’s sister and three daughters, all of whom attended the trial either as witnesses or observers and delivered emotional statements ahead of the hearing on Tuesday.
Judge Menin also spoke of an apparent absence of sympathy on Mackey’s part. The judge noted in particular video evidence introduced at the trial showing Mackey and his now-deceased co-defendant sharing what appeared to be a celebratory hug after the crime.
Prosecutors had sought a longer 55-years-to-life sentence, while Mackey’s defense attorney asked the judge not to impose what would clearly be a life sentence, noting that even a 25-years-to-life term would mean that Mackey, who had already served more than half of his life behind bars for prior convictions, would very likely die in custody. She said Mackey would be appealing his conviction.
In a statement shared with West Side Rag, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said following the sentencing, “Since Ms. Hernandez’s killing, her family has endured unimaginable grief and loss and, while we cannot undo this tragedy, I hope today’s outcome brings them comfort in knowing the defendant has been held accountable.”
For more on the case and trial, please see our story from May 20, 2026.
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A disgusting, depraved individual. May the crime he committed against Maria Hernandez haunt him for the rest of his miserable life.
This murder still haunts me.
And some congressional nominees want to abolish jails?