Deshawn Martin charged in 20-count indictment, including the murder of 49-year-old Santos Valeriano Argueta outside Antojitos Express on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the 20-count indictment of a Hempstead man for six separate robberies in 2021 and 2022, including a January attempted robbery and point-blank shooting of a 49-year-old man outside of a restaurant on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead.
Deshawn Martin, 25, of Hempstead, was arraigned today before Judge Terence Murphy on a 20-count indictment including charges of Murder in the First Degree (an A-I felony); Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); six counts of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony); four counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony); three counts of Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (a C violent felony); two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony); and Menacing in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor). Martin pleaded not guilty and was remanded. He is due back in court on May 13, 2022. If convicted, Martin faces a maximum of up to life in prison.
“The facts of this case are truly chilling. As Santos Valeriano Argueta lay dying on the ground – after this defendant allegedly shot him at point-blank range in the head – Martin rifled through the dying man’s pockets to steal his cell phone and attempted to continue his robbery of the Antojitos Express,” said DA Donnelly. “Just days after the shooting, Martin allegedly held up two more stores in Nassau County at gunpoint. Our thoughts are with the family of Santos Valeriano Argueta as they mourn this tragic loss.”
DA Donnelly said, according to the indictment and investigation, on January 30, 2022 at approximately 10:54 p.m., the defendant allegedly entered Antojitos Express on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead carrying a loaded firearm and ordered everyone in the restaurant to get on the ground. Martin allegedly pistol whipped a patron, the first victim, several times. 49-year-old Santos Valeriano Argueta then allegedly intervened and pushed Martin out of the storefront. Once outside, Martin allegedly shot Argueta three times at close range, striking him in the forearm, chest, and head. Once Argueta fell to the ground from the shooting, Martin allegedly went through the victim’s pockets, stole his cell phone, and later fled the scene.
Just days after the shooting, on February 3, 2022, the defendant allegedly committed two additional robberies.
At approximately 4:03 a.m., Martin allegedly entered a 7-Eleven store at 333 Oak Street in Uniondale displaying a firearm. The defendant then allegedly robbed the store at gunpoint and fled.
Hours later at 7:19 p.m., Martin allegedly entered a Dunkin Donuts at 467 Old Country Road in Westbury and again, with firearm displayed, robbed the store.
Martin was additionally charged in three October 2021 robberies along with co-defendant Shinel Waldrop, 25, of Hempstead.
According to the indictment and investigation, on October 22, 2021, Waldrop and Martin drove to a Subway store at 1341 Jerusalem Avenue in Merrick. Martin allegedly entered the store with a paper bag covering his right hand, indicated he had a gun and demanded money. Martin allegedly stole cash and Martin and Waldrop fled the scene.
The next day, on October 23, 2021, Waldrop and Martin allegedly drove to a Dunkin Donuts store at 432 Jerusalem Avenue in Hicksville. Martin allegedly entered the store again with a paper bag covering his right hand and demanded money from the store workers. Martin allegedly stole approximately $1315 and he and Waldrop fled the scene.
On October 26, 2021, Waldrop and Martin allegedly drove into the rear parking lot of 150 Sunnyside Boulevard in Plainview. Martin allegedly exited the vehicle and entered a 7-Eleven across the parking lot, wearing a bandana with a paper bag covering his right hand, indicated he had a gun, and demanded money from the store workers. Martin allegedly stole approximately $200 and fled the store.
Waldrop was arrested in West Hempstead on February 7, 2022 by Nassau County Police Department detectives and arraigned today before Judge Terence Murphy on charges of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony) and Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony). The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 bond, $250,000 cash, and $2 million partially secured bond. She is due back in court on May 13, 2022. If convicted of the top charge, Waldrop faces a maximum of up to 25 years in prison.
Martin was arrested on February 9, 2022 in Freeport by detectives of the NCPD’s Homicide Squad and Bureau of Special Operations.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Michelle Lewisohn of the Homicide Bureau and Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hernan of the Forensic Science/Cold Case Unit. Martin is represented by Fred Pollack, Esq. Waldrop is represented by Justin Feinman, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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