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NYPD IDs 2 people fatally shot in early morning Bronx gunfire

By

Brittany Kriegstein

Published May 24, 2024

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A photo of the intersection where police say two people were fatally shot in the Bronx.

 

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By

Brittany Kriegstein

Published May 24, 2024

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Police have identified two people who were fatally shot on a Bronx street early Friday morning, and officials said they were looking for two suspects who fled the scene on a red moped.

According to police, the gunfire erupted just after midnight in front of an apartment building on Davidson Avenue and Evelyn Place in University Heights.

Justin Lawless, 36, and Claretha Daniels, 44, were both hit in the chest, and were pronounced dead at Saint Barnabas Hospital, officials said. Police said they both lived in the same building on Grand Avenue, about two blocks away from where they were shot.

A 40-year-old man was also shot in the right arm, but was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition.

Police said the two male suspects were wearing all black clothing and fled on the moped in an unknown direction.

Shooting incidents have remained relatively stable in the 52nd Precinct, which includes Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, Bronx Park and University Heights. According to NYPD data, there have been seven shootings in the precinct so far this year– as many as as during the same time period in 2023.

Before Friday’s shooting, only one person had been fatally shot in the precinct so far this year. Saida Bonilla Mejia, 40, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend after an argument in their apartment in February.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Tagged

shooting

public safety

guns

bronx

nypd

Brittany Kriegstein

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Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].

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