N.Y. man apprehended after allegedly shooting 80-year-old stepfather 'execution-style'

NEW YORK (TCD) -- A Bronx man was arrested in Pennsylvania this week after he allegedly fatally shot his 80-year-old stepfather in the head while he returned from a birthday party.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced officials from the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force located Java Melvin in Reading, Pennsylvania, and took him into custody.

On Sept. 17, Melvin allegedly wore a ski mask and was "lying in wait" for stepfather Marcelino Valerio to come back from a Sweet 16 party with his wife when he shot him "execution-style" in the head. After the incident, Melvin reportedly fled the scene on a bicycle, then went back to his family’s home and "mourned the loss of his stepfather with family members."

The U.S. Marshals allege Melvin "planned the assassination."

U.S. Marshals tracked Melvin to Pennsylvania and arrested him without incident. He will be extradited to New York where he will be charged for the "heinous" killing.

Valerio’s family members told CBS New York was "never confrontational, always happy, caring. He loved to talk and get to know people."

His daughter said he "loved music, loves to fix things around the house."

Valerio was reportedly "very happy" at his granddaughter’s Sweet 16.

CBS New York reports Valerio’s daughter, Geraldine Valerio, released a statement about the arrest, saying, "We are all very glad the arrest was made and thankful for the detectives who investigated and made the arrest. The individual responsible has to pay and be held accountable. We want justice and we are looking for the greatest punishment possible."

Geraldine Valerio said her family feels "deceived and betrayed, especially after this perpetrator shared lunch amicably earlier in the day and socialized with my father at the family event."

Marcelino Valerio "accepted [Melvin] and welcomed him despite any past conflicts on the perpetrator’s side, which never had validity."

She concluded, "This is a depraved, evil person who has always been problematic everywhere he went and he needs to be off the streets. My father was an honorable, loving person and we want him to always be remembered for the kind-hearted man he was."

MORE:

• U.S. Marshals Locate and Arrest Stepson for Brutal Bronx Execution of 80-year-old Stepfather - U.S. Marshals Service
• Family of Marcelino Valerio, 80, speak out after he's shot dead in the Bronx - CBS New York
• Geraldine Valerio statement - Alice Gainer