NYPD to offer scholarships to honor slain Bronx teen

Junior wanted to be an NYPD detective — so the NYPD is starting a college scholarship in his name.

The NYPD is setting up two $5,000 scholarships to honor 15-year-old Lesandro (Junior) Guzman-Feliz, the Bronx teen who was dragged out a of a bodega and murdered by gang members last week.

Lesandro joined the NYPD Explorers program in January, and had hoped to one day become a detective. In his honor, the NYPD will offer $5,000 grants, starting in August, to two members of the NYPD Explorer Summer Academy.

The money, provided by the New York City Police Foundation, can be used toward college tuition and school supplies.

“There is no better way to honor a young man whose stated dream was to become one of the greatest detectives in the world than by establishing a memorial scholarship in his honor,” O'Neill said.

A group of Trinitarios gang members dragged Lesandro out of a bodega on E. 183rd St. near Bathgate Ave. in Belmont on June 20, then killed him with a machete and a knife, authorities said. Cell phone and surveillance video captured the brutal crime.

Eight people have been arrested in connection with his murder.