Interactive timeline
Below is a working chronology for navigation. Year ranges follow common case summaries; for filings, always confirm exact dates on the court docket or certified copies. Tap or click a heading to expand an entry.
Crime
1994 — Homicide of Carlos Ventura
Fatal shooting in the Bronx; police and prosecutors developed theories tying multiple people to the killing. Geography on the home page map is illustrative only.
Read next: Evidence overview · Key figures · Contemporary coverage.
Trial
1995 — Trial of Manuel Lugo & related proceedings
Manuel Lugo was convicted; co-defendant Wilfredo Roman was acquitted. That contrast is central to post-conviction advocacy.
Citation pathway: Trial transcripts (see document library) and Wilfredo Roman section.
Evidence
2003 — Angel Otero recantation filed
Post-conviction filings describe a recantation and related eyewitness reliability issues. Courts treat recantations skeptically; read the underlying affidavit, not summaries alone.
Citation pathway: False eyewitness (detailed) · Affidavit index.
Evidence
2000s — Additional affidavits (Santos, Vivian Otero)
Defense materials reference further witness affidavits. Each must be checked against filed copies and the trial record.
Citation pathway: Other recantations · Document library.
Appeals
2010s–2020s — Post-conviction motions & media coverage
Continued litigation runs alongside renewed press attention (for example NY1, Daily News, Noticias SIN). Use dated articles and docket entries together.
Citation pathway: Media archive · published decision People v. Lugo (Justia).