New York City, NY – A tragic incident in the Bronx left an innocent bystander dead after a gunman opened fire in a bodega during a robbery attempt, according to officials and sources familiar with the situation. Stefon Barnes, 29, was fatally shot in the right thigh inside the Gourmet Deli on East Tremont Avenue near Marmion Avenue early Easter Sunday morning. The assailant, who was allegedly targeting another individual in the store, accidentally hit Barnes during a struggle. Despite being rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, Barnes did not survive his injuries.
Video footage obtained by WABC revealed that Barnes was simply browsing a rack of chips in the store when the violent altercation unfolded nearby. Moments earlier, the deli had been filled with revelers, including a woman wearing bunny ears, dancing and singing. Antonio Sanchez, 64, recounted being in the store moments before the shooting, noting that Barnes was not involved in the confrontation but was unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Described as calm and collected by Sanchez, Barnes exchanged greetings with him before the tragic occurrence. Sanchez recalled hearing the gunshots shortly after leaving the store, initially mistaking the sound for firecrackers. He expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, calling it a tragedy. A makeshift memorial was set up outside the deli following Barnes’ death, adorned with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages from mourners.
The NYPD released a photo of the suspected shooter, described as a medium-complexioned individual standing between 5-foot-10 and 6 feet tall. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the Bronx community, leaving residents and authorities devastated by the loss of an innocent life. As the search for justice continues, the memory of Stefon Barnes will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.