Authorities are investigating two separate fatal shootings that occurred Thursday night in the Bronx, with both incidents reported roughly an hour apart. Police say the cases are not believed to be connected.
According to investigators, the first shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. in the Williamsbridge neighborhood. Police said an altercation began inside a deli along Bronxwood Avenue and later moved outside. During the incident, 22-year-old Ricardo Bygrave was shot and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Officers returned to the area the following morning to search for additional surveillance footage and gather more information. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.
Approximately one hour later, a second shooting was reported in Morris Heights. Authorities said a dispute between neighbors escalated, resulting in gunfire. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Justin Chatfield, was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police confirmed that a 76-year-old man, identified as Gilbert Smalls, has been charged in connection with the Morris Heights incident. The charges include murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to officials.
The incidents occurred shortly after the release of the New York Police Department’s latest crime statistics. Officials reported an overall decline in major crimes in the Bronx, noting a reduction compared to previous periods. However, authorities acknowledged that homicide figures have remained relatively stable.
Law enforcement leaders say they are continuing targeted efforts in areas most affected by violent crime. These strategies include increased police presence and focused interventions aimed at improving public safety.
Officials also noted that a significant portion of the city’s homicide cases so far this year have occurred in the Bronx, underscoring ongoing challenges despite broader reductions in other crime categories.
Police are urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward. Both cases remain under active investigation, and authorities say updates will be shared as more details are confirmed.
