The 49th Precinct recently held an event for a boy who lost both of his parents during a murder-suicide.
On Thursday, August 18, the 49th Precinct honored seven-year-old Tyrone Lowe, Jr. with a Disney-themed surprise party after losing his mother and father over a week’s span back in December.
Tyrone arrived at the precinct in a squad car and was greeted by fellow officers, community leaders and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Following the warm welcome, all in attendance stepped inside the precinct for the ceremony, which included a moment of silence for his late parents, Shoshane Rattigan and Tyrone Lowe, Sr., and statements by the 49th Precinct along with other neighborhood advocates who showed that they were on Tyrone’s side after experiencing the two horrendous incidents.
The precinct also allocated $5,000 towards Tyrone’s college scholarship fund, as well as announced that they were sending him and his aunt to Disneyland for an entire week.
The money was raised by local donations through social media.
“The 49th Precinct worked extremely hard to put this event together – and with it, we wanted to create a brand new life start for Tyrone,” said captain Keith Walton, commanding officer for the 49th Precinct.
“Tyrone is a bright kid – and there was nothing better at this event than seeing him happy,” said community affairs officer David Lepore. “We (the 49th Precinct) decided to provide him and his aunt with the opportunity to go to Disney World. This is only a stepping stone for what we hope to do for him and other kids who face similar situations in the future.”
John Marano, a neighborhood advocate and former NYPD officer who aided troubled youth in Harlem by taking them to New York Yankee games and other festivities said, “Tyrone will remember all of the assistance he received from the 49th Precinct, and that will help him make the right choices in life despite what has happened to him.”
“You have godmothers and godfathers here at the 49th Precinct for the rest of your life – we all love you, Tyrone,” said Tony Vitaliano, chairman of Community Board 11.
When asked about what he was looking forward to the most when he goes to Disneyland, Tyrone replied that he was most excited to go on the slides, the rides, and interact with the Disney characters. He also said he was looking forward to singing Disney songs on his trip.
On the morning of Tuesday, December 1, the precinct responded to the shooting of Rattigan (Tyrone’s mom) at 1570 Bogart Avenue, who was pronounced dead when EMS arrived at the scene.
A week later, after being identified as a suspect, Lowe, Sr. was found dead inside his 2006 Honda Odyssey in the vicinity of Hollers Avenue and Hutchinson River Parkway.
He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was found next to his body.
