An incident took place last night in Mott Haven, a neighborhood in the Bronx. According to ABC7NY, a 27-year-old man was fatally shot as he departed from a state parole office at 79 Alexander Ave. The incident, reported at approximately 5:50 p.m., prompted a response from law enforcement and emergency medical services.
In radio transmissions, a parole officer was heard moving through a crowd and urgently requesting medical assistance. "A parolee was shot! Please send someone to 79 Alexander Avenue," the officer exclaimed, as described by the police dispatcher attempting to assess the situation. Witnesses on the scene, like Clarisa Alayeto, saw the emerging chaos firsthand. "People were getting close, and they were like back up back up with their guns out," Alayeto said in a statement obtained by ABC7NY. She noticed signs of trouble moments before the shooting, observing a group wearing masks and exhibiting a tense presence as they approached the office.
The victim of the shooting has been identified by law enforcement sources as John Martinez, known in the music community as drill rapper Suave Drilly. AMNY reported that Martinez was indicted along with 19 others by the Bronx District Attorney's office in 2022 for their alleged involvement in various shootings. After serving time for a conviction on a first-degree attempted gang assault charge, he had been released on parole in January 2024.
Law enforcement officials note that three suspects were last seen fleeing the scene heading east on East 132nd Street. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder. As the investigation continues, residents voice concerns over the parole office's location, suggesting it has become a hotspot for retaliatory violence. As Alayeto told ABC7NY, "People know that a releasee is trying to see their PO and that's the time they try to maximize and attack, and then the people around are the people who are caught unfortunately in the mix."
The NYPD is urging those with any information regarding the incident to step forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, or for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips, ensuring confidentiality for all who come forward with information.
