Wakefield: Murder investigation launched after man died two weeks after raid on his home

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 50-year-old man was killed in a robbery at his apartment in the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx last month, police said.

Police said officers were called to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital around 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, for a report of a “previous assault” that had occurred at 4441 Furman Avenue at approximately 7:30 a.m.

“Upon arrival, officers were informed by a 50-year-old male victim that an unknown man had punched him multiple times in the face, a police spokesperson said. “The victim was privately transported to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital with swelling and bruising to his face.”

Police said the victim succumbed to his injuries on July 6 and the city medical examiner ruled the incident a homicide. Police said there have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

The deceased was identified as Mark Gocul of Furman Avenue in the Bronx. He reportedly worked as a DJ and was known as “Mr. Cool.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crimestoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org,/ or on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.