A mother of four’s shooting death has many West Farms residents demanding change.
On Wednesday, January 11, Councilman Ritchie Torres; Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. held a press conference outside the West Farms Convenience Store, where the incident occurred, announcing new safety measures and resources to prevent future senseless violent acts in the neighborhood.
According to police, Cindy Diaz, 48, was walking home on Friday, January 6 around 5 p.m. after picking up dinner at McDonald’s for her sons when she was fatally shot in front of the convenience store on 2012 Boston Road.
Diaz, a Lambert Houses resident, was struck in her arm and torso by two stray bullets after an argument between two nearby men turned violent.
She was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
Police believe the gunman’s intended target was a young man standing near Diaz.
The young man’s right bicep was grazed by a bullet which he sought treatment for at Jacobi Medical Center.
He has refused to cooperate with the police investigation.
The gunman has not been identified.
Councilman Torres has allocated $350,000 to the NYPD and will contribute an additional $175,000 for NYPD security cameras and safety improvements in his district which encompasses Bathgate, Belmont, Crotona, Fordham, East Tremont, Van Nest and West Farms.
Torres has requested the NYC Department of Transportation conduct a lighting study in order to install new community-wide lighting fixtures.
“This horrific tragedy has our entire community speechless and we must act now to prevent future acts of violence,” he expressed. “My condolences and prayers are with the Diaz family and we will remain vigilant in capturing the suspect and ensuring the family receives justice.”
Assemblyman Sepulveda has allocated $500,000 for NYPD cameras and security measures in West Farms.
The NYPD is in the process of installing these cameras.
The project’s total funding from Torres and Sepulveda is $1.025 million.
“Unlike most areas of NYC, the funding for safety and capital improvements here at Lambert Houses and in the West Farms neighborhood is long overdue,” stated Senator Diaz. “I am hopeful that through funding from the city and state that has finally been allocated to be used in our community, crime will decrease and our senior citizens and families will be safe.”
Diaz is survived by her former longtime boyfriend Angel Rosario and their four sons Liam, Takis, Reino and Giovanno.
The St. Raymond school community has created a GoFundMe page to help the Rosario family cover their education expenses.
If interested in donating, visit www.gofun
Donations can also be sent to St. Raymond Elementary School, attention: Rosario Education Fund, 2380 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462.
A $10,000 reward is offered for the gunman’s arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are kept strictly confidential.
