Defendants plead guilty in Newburgh beating death

GOSHEN — Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on July 19 that Richard Vallejo, a.k.a. “Rico,” 28, and Kelsin Rivera, 30, of Newburgh, pled guilty in connection with the March 30, 2016, beating death of a 48-year-old man whom they attacked on Lake Street in the City of Newburgh.
Vallejo pled guilty to manslaughter in the first degree, and Rivera pled guilty to assault in the second degree, before County Court Judge Nicholas DeRosa. When the two are sentenced on September 9, Vallejo is expected to receive a 20-year prison sentence and Rivera is expected to receive four years in prison.
On March 30, both defendants attacked their victim at One Lake Street in the City of Newburgh. Rivera admitted to striking the victim more than once with his hands, and Vallejo admitted to kicking the victim repeatedly in the head as he lay on the ground.
The victim was declared brain-dead at St. Luke’s-Cornwall Hospital shortly after the attack, and never regained consciousness. He was eventually taken off life support, resulting in his death on April 6.
Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their efforts in the investigation and prosecution of the case, and commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer for her work in prosecuting it.