Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A federal jury has convicted Ramon Rodriguez, also known as “Pollo,” of murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder, firearms offenses, and racketeering conspiracy. The verdict follows a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff in the Southern District of New York. Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
According to prosecutors, Rodriguez was a member of the Shooting Boys gang, which is affiliated with the Trinitarios organization and operates primarily in the Bronx and Manhattan. Evidence presented at trial showed that from at least 2018 through 2025, members of this group were involved in violent crimes including murders, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation.
The charges against Rodriguez stem from two robberies committed in June 2021. On June 13 outside a Bronx nightclub, Rodriguez shot a man in the leg during a robbery. Eight days later on June 21 outside a Manhattan nightclub, he fatally shot Milton Grant in the head while stealing his watch and then attempted to shoot another individual who fled the scene.
Following his arrest and detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, authorities said Rodriguez continued his involvement with the gang by possessing weapons inside jail. On December 3, 2023, he participated with other inmates in an attack on another prisoner who was cooperating with law enforcement.
“For years, Ramon Rodriguez—along with members of the Shooting Boys—committed shootings, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation throughout New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Worst of all, Rodriguez murdered Milton Grant in cold blood during a robbery, senselessly killing him for his watch, and attempted to murder another innocent victim at the same time. Gang violence poses a grave threat to our communities. Thanks to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, including the NYPD whose detectives drove this murder case from the beginning, New York streets are safer tonight.”
Rodriguez faces several counts: one count of murder in aid of racketeering (maximum life sentence), one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon (maximum 20 years), two counts related to firearms use during violent crimes (each carrying up to life imprisonment with mandatory minimums), and one count of racketeering conspiracy (maximum life sentence). Sentencing guidelines are determined by Congress but will ultimately be decided by Judge Rakoff.
U.S. Attorney Clayton commended investigative efforts by both local police and federal agencies as well as support from local prosecutors’ offices.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile and Jim Ligtenberg from the Violent Organizations and Crime Unit.
