A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the 2018 double homicide at a Kensington street corner. Mario Ramirez, 38, was convicted in October of fatally shooting Jose Vega and Anthony Torres on August 22, 2018.
According to court testimony, Ramirez exited his vehicle and shot both men with an assault rifle outside La Corona Market at H and Thayer streets around 7 p.m. The victims' families are still reeling from the loss, as Torres, 23, died immediately, while Vega, 38, succumbed to his injuries at Temple University Hospital.
Witnesses reported seeing a gold Chevrolet Uplander in the area before the shooting occurred, with surveillance footage later capturing it. Ramirez was identified as the driver and arrested in March 2023 on charges of first-degree murder and related crimes. His passenger, who also fired shots, remains under investigation but has not been charged.
Torres' family delivered an emotional impact statement, describing a void that cannot be filled and an empty life without their loved one. "We are broken," they said. "With his passing, life just feels empty with nothing to look forward to. His children left without a father, parents without a son, two siblings left without a brother."
Ramirez's sentencing brings closure to the victims' families after years of uncertainty and grief. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office announced that Ramirez will serve consecutive life sentences for his role in the crime. "For several years, the victims' families and friends have grieved without knowing their loved ones' killer was held accountable," said Attorney General Dave Sunday. "We hope this sentencing brings them a measure of justice."
According to court testimony, Ramirez exited his vehicle and shot both men with an assault rifle outside La Corona Market at H and Thayer streets around 7 p.m. The victims' families are still reeling from the loss, as Torres, 23, died immediately, while Vega, 38, succumbed to his injuries at Temple University Hospital.
Witnesses reported seeing a gold Chevrolet Uplander in the area before the shooting occurred, with surveillance footage later capturing it. Ramirez was identified as the driver and arrested in March 2023 on charges of first-degree murder and related crimes. His passenger, who also fired shots, remains under investigation but has not been charged.
Torres' family delivered an emotional impact statement, describing a void that cannot be filled and an empty life without their loved one. "We are broken," they said. "With his passing, life just feels empty with nothing to look forward to. His children left without a father, parents without a son, two siblings left without a brother."
Ramirez's sentencing brings closure to the victims' families after years of uncertainty and grief. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office announced that Ramirez will serve consecutive life sentences for his role in the crime. "For several years, the victims' families and friends have grieved without knowing their loved ones' killer was held accountable," said Attorney General Dave Sunday. "We hope this sentencing brings them a measure of justice."
can u imagine being left with no closure after all these years? the whole thing is just so senseless...i know life hacks won't bring back the fallen, but hopefully this sentence brings some kinda peace of mind to the ppl affected by the crime 
It raises questions about whether we're truly focusing on punishment over restorative justice. I mean, what about addressing the underlying issues that led to this crime in the first place, like poverty and lack of opportunities? 
We need to think about how we can create a more holistic approach to crime prevention that includes economic development and mental health services. 
what's even more savage is the video footage of that gold Chevy Uplander driving away from the scene 
guess that was the last time we saw those victims' families at peace 
this sentencing finally brings closure to them after all these yrs but i feel like it's still gonna be a long road 2 heal for them 
like what even is the point of that? and whats with the passenger who fired shots still gettin investigated but havent been charged yet? seems fishy to me 
. anyways, i feel bad for the victims fams who had to go through all this pain and uncertainty for so long 
. I mean, who shoots two people and gets life without parole? Sounds like a pretty clear case to me... and honestly, it is 
. The family's reaction sounds heartbreaking tho, it's crazy how one person can leave such a huge void 
The one who drove the getaway car is still out there 
. It's good that justice has been served, but at what cost? We should be able to feel safe walkin' around our neighborhoods without worryin' about gettin' caught up in a random shootout 
.
this is just heartbreaking... my heart goes out to jose vega's family, i can only imagine how much pain and grief they must be going through... 23 years old, his whole life ahead of him... and now it's all taken away