Mugger who killed two men in Queens within 48 hours sentenced to 35 years in prison.
In a grim verdict that reflects the severity of his crime, Raymond Kenner has been sentenced to 35 years in prison following his involvement in two fatal stabbings in Queens during December 2021. The sentencing, delivered by a judge in Queens Supreme Court, comes after Kenner, 25, pled guilty to two counts of manslaughter last month. His accomplice, 34-year-old Alexander Stephens, received a considerably lighter sentence of seven years for his role in the incidents, having pleaded guilty to robbery.
The tragic events unfolded during the Christmas season, when Kenner and Stephens targeted their first victim, 25-year-old Andrew Cunje. On December 21, 2021, they stalked Cunje along Jamaica Avenue, disguised in dark clothing as they followed him to a point near 197th Street and Carpenter Avenue. The duo proceeded to stab Cunje multiple times before fleeing with his wallet and backpack. At the time of his murder, Cunje was preparing to celebrate Christmas with family members who had traveled from Guyana and Canada for a reunion.
Just two days later, Kenner struck again, this time taking the life of 29-year-old Benjamin Vasquez Bulux, a cook and active churchgoer. Bulux was fatally attacked near 89th Avenue and 150th Street in Jamaica as he returned home from church. According to family members, he was known for his love of soccer and was well-respected within his community.
Investigators quickly connected the two murders when they noticed similarities in the clothing worn by both assailants, leading to an investigation that sought to apprehend Kenner. Authorities located him and Stephens at The Hotel Wolcott in Midtown, known for accommodating individuals recently released from incarceration. Upon their arrival, the suspects were attempting to retrieve personal belongings left in the hotel.
Both men had prior criminal histories before the fatal stabbings. Stephens, identified as a reputed member of the Mac Ballers gang, was released on parole earlier in 2019 after serving a sentence for robbery and attempted robbery. Kenner had also been free on bail while awaiting sentencing for a 2019 assault in a correctional facility, further highlighting the concerning repeated patterns of violent behavior.
This case underscores broader issues of public safety and the challenges law enforcement faces in managing repeat offenders. The sentences handed down reflect the community’s demand for justice and a commitment to addressing violent crime effectively. Media News Source emphasizes the importance of ongoing discussions regarding criminal rehabilitation, community safety, and the justice system’s response to violent acts in urban settings.
