Two men killed in shootings in the Bronx – police search for suspects

Two men were killed in separate shootings in the Bronx on Sunday, police reported.

According to police sources, the first incident occurred on July 21 at around 4:13 p.m. in front of a residence at 2010 Bruckner Blvd. in Castle Hill.

Officials of the 43rd District rushed to the scene after a 911 caller reported that a person had been shot.

The arriving officer found 52-year-old Jose Baez unconscious and unresponsive after being shot in the head. EMS transported him to Jacobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to the latest CompStat report, there were six murders in the 43rd Precinct year-to-date through July 14, one fewer than during the same period in 2023. The number of shootings also decreased by 13.5% year-to-year.

Less than two hours later 44th District responded to the second fatal shooting that occurred outside an apartment complex at 3125 Park Avenue in Melrose just before 6 p.m. Sunday evening.

Police discovered 41-year-old Raheem Blake with a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency services took him to Lincoln Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the latest CompStat report, homicides in the 44th Precinct have declined so far in 2024; through July 14, the command has recorded seven murders, compared to 12 last year. Shootings have also declined by 13.3%.

No arrests were made in either case and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter). @NYPDTipsAll calls and messages will be treated confidentially.