1 of 4 sentenced for 2019 murder of Meliton Salazar

INDIANAPOLIS — One of the four people charged in the October 2019 death of Meliton Salazar has been sentenced to 55 years.

Fernando Bornstein was found guilty after a 2-day jury trial in October and sentenced to 55 years in prison on Monday.

According to court documents, police were dispatched to the area of W. Washington Street and S. White River Parkway Drive on a report of an injured person. Upon arrival, they located Salazar under a bridge in critical condition.

Salazar died the next day.

On the day of the murder, Salazar met a woman, Jacqueline Lizarraga, on the White River Trail when Bornstein and another man began to physically assault Salazar. During the robbery, Salazar was shot with his own weapon and beaten with a hammer, according to court documents.

“This marks the conclusion of Bornstein’s case,” Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “Moving forward, there is still much work to be done in ensuring that all parties are held accountable for their actions in this tragic murder.”

Lizarraga and Rosales Orellana have both been charged for their alleged roles in this crime. Their cases remain pending.

A fourth individual, Jayzn Martin, was also charged for his role in this crime. Earlier this month, Martin pleaded guilty for his role in this matter and three unrelated cases.