BRONX, NY- A Bronx neighborhood was rocked by violence last week when a 71-year-old grandmother was fatally shot in broad daylight. The suspect, 21-year-old Joshua Evans, was arrested on Monday and is facing multiple charges, including murder and manslaughter.
The tragic incident unfolded in the Mott Haven area, where Enriqueta Rivera was running errands. A dispute between Evans and a rival gang member led to the shooting, which also left a 34-year-old woman injured. The intended target escaped unharmed, while the two women, innocent bystanders, bore the brunt of the violence.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing the senseless nature of the crime. Rivera, a cherished community member and grandmother, was shot in the heart and died despite efforts to save her at Lincoln Medical Center.
The second victim, who was shot in the arm, is recovering and expected to survive her injuries. Evans, who lives close to the scene of the crime, was apprehended at a relative’s home. He has a previous arrest for robbery in 2019.
In a press conference, NYPD Police Chief Edward Caban reiterated the department’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that those who engage in violent activities will be held accountable. The shooting is part of a recent wave of violence that has seen four innocent bystanders injured in three separate incidents, including an 8-year-old boy. NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley attributes the spike in violence to increased gang activity.