A Bronx man who was found gravely injured inside an apartment at 555 Nereid Avenue in Wakefield has died, and the case is now being treated as a homicide, authorities say.
Police responded to a 911 call around 6:59 p.m. on January 21 and found a 44-year-old man unconscious with head trauma inside the building, according to local reporting. EMS rushed him to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi in critical condition, where he died of his injuries on January 27. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
The victim was later identified as Joel Rivera, 44. Bronx reporting states that officers arrested 37-year-old Richard Vasquez on February 14 and charged him with murder. The investigation is still active, and officials emphasize that the charges are allegations only and that the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Those details were reported by Bronx.com.
Where it happened
The incident unfolded at 555 Nereid Avenue, known as the Muller Residences, a four-story affordable and supportive housing complex in Wakefield. The building was created by converting the former Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center and includes about 90 studio apartments, with units reserved for formerly homeless veterans, according to The Doe Fund. The property came online in 2021 as part of a broader city housing effort and sits near transit options along White Plains Road.
How to help
Detectives in the 47th Precinct are still piecing together what happened and are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA, or to submit tips online or by texting 274637 and entering TIP577, according to the NYPD. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward if they lead to an arrest and indictment.
Legal status
Local reporting indicates that Richard Vasquez has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Rivera’s death. Bronx authorities stress that the case remains under investigation, and Vasquez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Prosecutors will make any formal charging decisions as police continue to gather evidence and build the case. For more on the arrest and case details, see Bronx.com.
