A 24-year-old Horseheads man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the kidnapping and manslaughter of Juan Jose Gotay in 2021. Thomas Bovaird received the sentence as part of a plea deal, which also includes two and a half years of post-release supervision. Prosecutors initially considered a 22-year sentence but offered a reduced term due to Bovaird’s cooperation in the case.
Bovaird testified against Eddie Marte, the ringleader sentenced to life in prison for Gotay’s murder. Prosecutors noted Bovaird’s lesser involvement and expressed remorse as key factors in the lighter sentence. Letters written by Bovaird detailed his regret for participating in the brutal crime.
Bovaird’s 12-year sentence will run concurrently for both the manslaughter and kidnapping charges, according to District Attorney Weeden Wetmore.
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