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NYC Gay Bar Deaths: Fentanyl Plot Uncovered
17 Jan
Summary
- Two men died in Manhattan after being drugged and robbed in 2022.
- Tens of thousands were withdrawn from victims' bank accounts.
- Three men were sentenced in May 2025 for the crimes.
In 2022, the vibrant gay nightlife scene in Manhattan became the backdrop for a series of tragic druggings and robberies. Two men, Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, were found dead months apart after visiting bars in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. Both victims had their phones and wallets stolen, and tens of thousands of dollars were illicitly withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Initially, authorities considered the deaths as possible overdoses. However, the striking similarities between Ramirez's and Umberger's cases, including surveillance footage showing them with unknown men before their deaths, raised suspicions. Other individuals also came forward reporting similar drugging and robbery experiences, though they survived.
Authorities eventually identified Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso as perpetrators who targeted victims outside gay bars, using fentanyl to incapacitate them. In May 2025, Hamilton and DeMaio were sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for their involvement in both deaths, while Barroso received a 20-year to life sentence for his role in Ramirez's killing, bringing a measure of justice to the victims and their families.
