NEW YORK ( CNN ) -- A Latino group Tuesday expressed outrage over the slaying of an Ecuadoran man , allegedly at the hands of seven teenagers in what police are calling a hate crime . Marcello Lucero , 37 , was stabbed to death in an attack that police say was a hate crime . The teens ' parents bear some of the blame , along with community leaders who have created an inhospitable environment for immigrants , Fernando Fernando Mateo , founder of Hispanics Across America , said at a news conference . `` We understand that some may not welcome us in their neighborhoods , but killing us will not drive us away , '' Mateo said . `` Those that hate us allow us to cut their lawns , build their homes , paint their homes , cook for them , serve their children -- and yet they teach them hate . '' Marcello Lucero , 37 , was walking to a friend 's apartment in Patchogue , New York , when he was attacked late Saturday , police said . He was stabbed in the chest and died of his injuries . A friend walking with Lucero was not injured . The seven teens were trying `` to find Latinos and to assault them , '' said Suffolk County Police Detective Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick . `` That was what they went out to do that night , and that 's exactly what they did do . ... They were actively seeking victims . '' At a court hearing for the seven Monday , a prosecutor quoted the youths as saying , `` Let 's go find some Mexicans to f -- - up . '' Jeffrey Conroy , 17 , faces charges of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime in the attack , police said . He and the other six -- Jordan Dasch , Anthony Hartford , Nicholas Hausch , Christopher Overton , Jose Pacheco and Kevin Shea -- also face charges of first-degree gang assault . The additional charge against Conroy stems from authorities ' belief that he was the one who stabbed Lucero . All of the suspects are 17 except for Overton , who is 16 , according to police . The `` hate crime '' designation would enhance any sentence imposed upon conviction . Upon their arrest , all seven of the youths `` admitted their involvement and their role in this crime , '' said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer . However , all seven pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned Monday in Suffolk County Criminal Court . Mateo said that Hispanics Across America and Lucero 's relatives have retained a law firm and may file suit against the youths ' families `` to make sure the parents of these seven kids pay the consequences . '' But he and other community leaders also laid blame at the feet of Steve Levy , Suffolk County executive . `` He has brought this hate that exists here amongst the Hispanic community , '' Mateo said . `` He has legislated over and over again against Hispanic immigrants . ... He should be the person not welcome in this community . '' The Rev . Alan Ramirez of Brookville Reform Church said , `` We all know that Mr. Levy , along with these seven young men , has blood on his hands . And we consider that unacceptable . We ask a responsible Democratic Party to seek Mr. Levy 's resignation or removal from office . We do not need our communities to be separated by hatred , intolerance and racial discord . '' Attempts by CNN to contact Levy on Tuesday were unsuccessful , as his office was closed for the Veterans Day holiday . On Sunday , however , Levy issued a statement saying Lucero 's death `` was n't a question of any county policy or legislation ; it was a question of bad people doing horrific things , '' according to Newsday , which reported that Levy answered no further questions . In a statement issued by police Sunday , Levy was quoted as saying , `` This heinous crime that led to the death of an individual because of his race will not be tolerated in Suffolk County . The suspects will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law . '' New York Gov . David Paterson , in a statement Monday , also condemned Lucero 's death . `` Suffolk Police tell us that Mr. Lucero and a friend were attacked late Saturday by seven teenagers who were driving around looking for a Hispanic to beat up , '' Paterson said . `` The senseless and cowardly act by these teenagers can not stand . ... Mr. Lucero 's death is a jarring reminder that we must remain vigilant and continue our fight to eradicate prejudice in our words and in our actions . '' Mateo said Tuesday that Lucero 's death `` is an outrage . ... Those days of noosing , hanging and torturing should be a thing of the past . '' Conroy 's friends and fellow students told CNN affiliate WABC they do not believe he committed the crime . `` He 's the nicest guy you will ever meet , '' one said . Attempts to contact Conroy 's defense attorney were unsuccessful Tuesday . A candlelight vigil was held Monday night in honor of Lucero . `` I still do n't believe my brother 's death , '' Joselo Lucero said . `` Today I buried him and I still do n't believe that he 's dead . ... He 's left a real emptiness in my family . ''
NEW : Officials condemn brutal , fatal stabbing of Ecuadoran in Long Island . Marcello Lucero , 37 , and a friend were attacked late Saturday night . Jeffrey Conroy , 17 , was charged with assault as a hate crime . Six other were charged with gang assault ; all seven plead not guilty .