By Anna Gustafson
When Victor Mejia moved from Mexico to Corona two years ago, he was looking forward to beginning his life in America with his new bride, Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) said.
He quickly landed a job as a pizza deliveryman, which he needed especially because he was the sole provider for his 22-year-old wife, Candelaria Rodriguez, and his ailing mother in Mexico. Life, it seemed, was going pretty well in the United States and he was looking forward to soon having children.
Now everything that Mejia worked for has been shattered after two Jackson Heights men allegedly called in a fake food order and attacked Mejia with a metal bat early Friday morning in Jackson Heights, sending him to the hospital with major head trauma, according to police. He remained in a coma in Elmhurst Hospital this week, according to Ferreras.
“It’s these moments when the American dream turns into a nightmare,” Ferreras said.
The councilwoman is working with U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) to bring Mejia’s sister to the United States to be by her brother’s side. Mejia’s mother, who is in Veracruz, Mexico and is suffering from advanced diabetes, has not been told of her son’s physical state because his family is worried she would not be able to deal with it in her frail condition, Ferreras said.
“He was the sole provider for his family, for his young wife and his mother,” Ferreras said. “He paid the rent. His wife is very sad. They got married two years ago, and when they came to this country they were looking forward to saving and having children.”
Ferreras also announced she has established a fund on behalf of Mejia to help his family pay for things like hospital bills.
“Mr. Mejia is a hardworking immigrant whose family depends on his meager salary for survival,” Ferreras said. “I urge everyone who can contribute even a dollar or two to do so.”
Contributions can be made to an account established at TD Bank. The account number for donations is 4249506431.
Jorge Paret, 28, and Anardo Batista, 23, allegedly attacked Victor Mejia de los Santos, 28, of Corona, when he arrived at 34-52 75th St. in Jackson Heights a little before 12:45 a.m. Friday, according to police.
The two also allegedly stole Mejia’s scooter, police said.
Paret and Batista have been charged with attempted murder, robbery, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
Reach reporter Anna Gustafson by e-mail at agustafson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
