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Newburgh Man Convicted Of Brutal Attack Posted On Facebook, YouTube

A Newburgh man whose brutal attack of two men with a chain and padlock was posted on Facebook and YouTube was convicted Tuesday by an Orange County jury, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.

Carlos Melendez, 29

Carlos Melendez, 29

Photo Credit: Orange County District Attorney's Office

Carlos Melendez, 29, was convicted of assault, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon for attacking the men on May 20, 2017, according to the DA's office.

At trial, prosecutors argued that Melendez used a padlock and chain as a flail to strike two men in the head. One of the men suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the assault and required hospitalization.

Police found the victim after receiving information about a man who appeared to be drunk, lying on the ground on Broadway. He was rushed to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. 

Hours later, a witness to the beatings posted a video of the attack on Facebook and YouTube.

Melendez faces up to 25 years in state prison for the assault charge and up to an additional four years for the attempted assault, the DA's office said.

He's also looking at up to seven years on the illegal weapons charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 22.

“The evidence, in this case, supported the jury’s verdict that this defendant intended on causing serious physical injury to at least one of his victims,” said Hoovler. “This defendant’s conduct could easily have resulted in the loss of life and is deserving of a lengthy sentence of incarceration."

He also thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their professional investigation of the case and their arrest of the defendant. 

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Kelly and Assistant District Attorney George del Fierro prosecuted the case.

Melendez remains in Orange County Jail without bail.

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