Bronx Tragedy: Suspected Drug Dealer Fatally Shot 19 Times in Unusual 'Burst of Gunfire'
In a shocking incident in the Bronx, a 45-year-old man, identified as suspected drug dealer Raymond Garcia, met a tragic end when he was shot 19 times in what police describe as an unusual "burst of gunfire." The incident, which occurred on December 10 in his Bronx apartment building on West Farms Road near Hoe Ave. in Longwood, has left the community stunned.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny emphasized the unusual nature of the attack, stating, “This was not a continued volley of gunshots, this was a burst of gunfire which very rarely do you hear of. It wasn’t ‘bang, bang, bang.’ It was almost like it was a machine gun.” Garcia sustained 38 gunshot wounds, with all 19 bullets passing through his body.
Eyewitnesses, including resident Cynthia Lucas, described the terrifying sound as resembling a bomb rather than a typical gunshot. Surveillance footage revealed the gunman arriving in a blue Honda and engaging with Garcia just moments before the shooting. Chief Kenny noted that the encounter lasted approximately 30 seconds, during which the assailant followed Garcia inside the building, swiftly retreated, and fled in his car.
In the aftermath, investigators discovered packaging materials for narcotics and equipment associated with the production of ketamine and fentanyl in Garcia's apartment. While Garcia had no prior arrests in New York, his criminal history in Puerto Rico, primarily related to drugs, raised suspicions about his involvement in the narcotics trade.
We believe that the victim was involved in fake prescription pills," Kenny stated. "He had a pay stub for working at Bronx Terminal Market stating that he makes $568 a week — and he had over $70,000 in his bank account. So we believe that back in Puerto Rico he was known to be part of the narcotics trade.
Despite being rushed to Lincoln Hospital, Garcia succumbed to his injuries. The investigation has uncovered 19 .40-caliber shell casings at the crime scene, and the identity of the gunman remains unknown as they remain on the loose. The community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, and law enforcement continues its efforts to bring justice to the case.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident in the Bronx, the community is left grappling with the shocking death of Raymond Garcia, a suspected drug dealer fatally shot 19 times in what has been described as an unusual 'burst of gunfire.' The circumstances surrounding the shooting, resembling a machine gun-like attack, have unnerved witnesses and raised questions about the motive behind the brutal assault.
As the NYPD Chief of Detectives, Joseph Kenny, underscores the rarity of such a burst of gunfire, investigators are diligently working to unravel the complexities of the case. The surveillance footage provides glimpses into the swift and intense encounter between Garcia and the assailant, who remains at large. The brevity of the interaction, lasting around 30 seconds, has added to the mystery surrounding the incident.
The discovery of narcotics-related materials in Garcia's apartment has opened avenues for speculation about his involvement in the drug trade, with ties to Puerto Rico and a history of arrests related to narcotics. The investigation paints a complex picture of Garcia's activities, and law enforcement is piecing together the puzzle to understand the motives behind this tragic event.
Despite efforts to save him, Garcia succumbed to his injuries at Lincoln Hospital, leaving a void in the community and prompting concerns about public safety. With 19 shell casings recovered from the scene, the intensity of the attack underscores the brazen nature of the crime.
As the search for the gunman continues, the Bronx community remains on edge, and law enforcement's commitment to bringing justice to this case is evident. The coming days will likely see increased efforts to apprehend the assailant and shed light on the circumstances that led to this brutal and unusual act of violence in the heart of the Bronx.