Teen facing murder charge in Orange County carjacking pleads guilty

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orange County teenager charged in a deadly carjacking attempt pleaded guilty Monday to several charges including a lesser charge of second-degree murder — all part of his plea deal — in the murder of Roxana Sanchez, who was a wife and a mother of two children.

Ja’Quarius McCray, who was 17 at the time, was arrested on first-degree murder charges in the death of Sanchez, who was shot in front of her home in 2021.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Sanchez was returning with another person from an evening out. The two were followed back to the home by a pair of men, according to Sgt. Joe Covelli.

“They were pulled into the driveway of the victim’s residence, they’re just talking, and a car comes up behind them,” Covelli said. “(The men) get out, approach the victims on both sides of the car and bang on the car telling them to get out. The driver, in fear, put the car into reverse, striking the suspects’ car — not severe, but enough to have a little bit of scuff marks on there. The passenger suspect ended up started shooting and that’s the side that Roxana was sitting on.”

Sheriff’s officials said at the time that deputies were searching for the second culprit.

Douglas Mejia couldn’t hold back the tears as he begged a judge to keep Ja’quarius McCray behind bars following his wife’s murder.

“This year marks two years and to this day it still hurts me, Haunts me and it’s very emotional to me,” said Douglas Mejia, the victim’s husband. “I’ve been with her 20 years, 18 married. She was my soulmate, my best friend, the mother to my boys.”

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As part of his plea deal, Judge Wayne Wooten sentenced McCray to a max sentence of 40 years behind bars along with 3 years probation. He also pleaded guilty to three other cases, including in 2020 when investigators say he and two other boys broke inside a home near Winter Park and opened fire. No one was hurt.

The victim’s sister said she wants justice.

“I have never wanted someone to suffer so much until now. He knew exactly what he was doing. He had intentions and now he must suffer the consequences,” said Stephanie Rivera, the victim’s sister.

As for Douglas Meija, he’s trying his best to move forward despite tragedy.

“I’m grateful to have her in my life and I’m very grateful for this (expletive) being in jail, never hurting anyone again,” said Meija.

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