New York City police are investigating a tragic incident that occurred in a Bronx bodega, where an innocent bystander lost his life. Stefon Barnes, 29, was fatally shot during a botched robbery attempt early on Easter Sunday. The gunman, who was reportedly trying to rob someone else, fired a shot that struck Barnes in the right thigh.
Barnes was inside the Gourmet Deli on East Tremont Avenue when the altercation unfolded. According to authorities, the shooting happened as Barnes was simply browsing a rack of chips for sale in the store. Video footage obtained by WABC shows that moments before the violence erupted, people inside the deli were dancing and celebrating.
Despite being uninvolved in the robbery, Barnes tragically became a victim of the situation. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The incident left both customers and witnesses shocked and devastated.
In the aftermath of the shooting, eyewitness Antonio Sanchez recounted seeing Barnes in the store shortly before the violence unfolded. Sanchez described Barnes as calm and in the wrong place at the wrong time. The community surrounding the deli has been deeply affected by the tragic events.
A makeshift memorial has been set up outside the bodega, adorned with flowers, candles, and messages of remembrance for Barnes. The NYPD has released a photo of the suspected shooter, described as a medium-complexioned individual of average height and build. Law enforcement officials are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the Bronx community mourns the loss of Stefon Barnes and grapples with the senseless violence that has shaken their neighborhood. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for increased efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.