Homeless man arrested for the shooting death of Bronx mother hit by a stray bullet while returning home to feed her children.
Law enforcement officials have apprehended a homeless man in connection with the 2017 fatal shooting of Cindy Diaz, a 48-year-old Bronx mother who was struck by a stray bullet while purchasing food for her children. The suspect, Jonathan Odenthal, 31, has been charged with murder following an extensive investigation that lasted nearly eight years.
On January 6, 2017, Diaz was shot as she walked home from a nearby McDonald’s on E. Tremont Avenue close to Boston Road in West Farms, just two blocks away from her residence. The tragic incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. while Diaz was carrying a bag of fast food. The bullet that claimed her life also grazed a 19-year-old man who was nearby, requiring him to seek treatment at Jacobi Medical Center. Diaz succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter at St. Barnabas Hospital.
The investigation into Diaz’s death had remained open for years until recent developments led to Odenthal’s arrest. According to police, Odenthal is believed to have directed his gunfire at the young man, subsequently resulting in Diaz’s unintended death. The loss of Diaz has had a profound impact on her family and community, with her former boyfriend, Angel Rosario, expressing the depth of tragedy associated with her passing. He emphasized that Diaz was an innocent victim whose only wrongdoing was retrieving food for her children.
In an effort to gather additional information, law enforcement had previously offered a reward of ,000 for details leading to an arrest in the case. Now, as the case progresses to the criminal court, Odenthal’s arraignment is anticipated in Bronx Criminal Court.
The events surrounding Cindy Diaz’s passing highlight the broader issues of gun violence and its devastating effects on innocent lives. Her legacy, as remembered by friends and family, reveals her as a dedicated mother who prioritized her children’s well-being, reflected in their academic achievements. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding public safety in urban communities, as families continue to face the repercussions of senseless acts of violence.
As authorities prepare for further legal proceedings, the community watches closely, hoping for justice in a case that has lingered in the shadows for far too long.
