Christian Josiah Montrose’s family says their grief is going public and permanent: they are pushing for a street co-naming and using it as a megaphone to urge whoever killed the 19-year-old to finally come forward. Montrose was gunned down outside his Canarsie home on March 19, 2024, and relatives describe him as a devoted son who loved cars and cooking. They hope the May 9 remembrance will honor his life and shake loose witnesses who have stayed silent.
Family Plans May 9 Co-Naming
The family told reporters they plan to rename the block where Montrose was killed during a May 9 celebration, according to the New York Post. Community Board 18’s meeting minutes also record a co-naming request for the intersection of East 104th Street and Avenue K in Montrose’s memory and show the board voted to advance the proposal. Relatives say the ceremony is meant both as a memorial and a way to keep public attention on an unsolved killing that they refuse to let fade from view.
How Police Say The Shooting Unfolded
Police say Montrose was parking his car just before 2:45 a.m. when a black Acura pulled up, someone got out and opened fire, striking him multiple times. He stumbled back into his home before collapsing, according to ABC7. Investigators say surveillance footage captured the attack and that the Acura had been reported stolen from the Bronx. Montrose was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Video and Neighbors’ Accounts
A Ring camera and other surveillance video were circulated to detectives and local outlets, showing the vehicle pull up and the shots being fired, CBS New York reported. Neighbors and family described Montrose as not involved in gangs and widely called him a “good kid,” while relatives said he loved cars and was planning training to become a mechanic. That grief has spilled into vigils and a community rally in Canarsie.
Investigation: No Arrests Yet
Detectives say no arrests have been made and the NYPD is investigating whether Montrose was killed in a case of mistaken identity tied to localized gang activity. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described Montrose as having no criminal history, per reporting in amNY. Authorities continue to search for the black Acura and ask anyone with information to contact investigators.
Community Response and Remembrance
Local organizations and elected officials have rallied behind the family, demanding funding for violence-interruption programs and public safety measures, Brooklyn Paper reported. Community Board 18’s minutes show the formal co-naming was discussed and passed at a board meeting, underscoring the neighborhood effort to keep Christian’s name and the case in public view. Family members said the May ceremony is meant to force the question of who saw what that night and to deny the killing anonymity.
How To Help
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit a tip online at NYPD Crime Stoppers; Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA, local reporting notes. Police say tips can be made anonymously and that even a small detail may be crucial to solving the case.
