Man who stole ambulance and killed EMT Yadira Arroyo receives life sentence

Jose Gonzalez was sentenced to life without parole for the murder of EMT Yadira Arroyo. Arroyo was a 14-year veteran and a mother of five. Gonzalez appeared in court seven weeks after being convicted of Arroyo's murder, with the courtroom packed with Arroyo's family and colleagues. The verdict came on the sixth anniversary of Arroyo's death, beneath the wheels of her hijacked truck. Gonzalez had a rap sheet of 31 prior arrests before he killed Arroyo while she was working an overtime shift.

The prosecution was repeatedly delayed as the court debated Gonzalez's mental health. There were dozens of hearings held and conflicting court filings over his fitness for trial. Gonzalez's trial finally began in February, with the defendant convicted after a month-long trial and two days of deliberations. Gonzalez sat impassively as he was convicted, while Arroyo's colleagues wept.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said that Arroyo was an extraordinary EMT who cared deeply for her patients, and noted that her memory would continue to be honored by the city. The killing left Arroyo's co-workers devastated, particularly her partner who watched helplessly as Gonzalez jumped inside their truck and twice ran Arroyo down.

Gonzalez bizarrely began reciting the alphabet when he was arrested after the killing. The legal process was torturous and heart-wrenching, and Arroyo's family and colleagues are relieved that justice has now been served. Oren Barzilay, President, FDNY EMS Local 2507, expressed his relief that a sentence had been issued and that Arroyo's family and colleagues could now find peace.