Autistic man killed while walking home after avoiding subway due to fear.
On the early morning of September 4, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Starlight Park, Bronx, claiming the life of 26-year-old Ronell Marte. A hardworking individual on the autism spectrum, Marte was walking home from his late-night shift at an Amazon warehouse when he became a victim of a fatal mugging. His family has expressed profound grief, noting the senseless nature of his death.
Marte had embarked on what was to be a routine 50-minute trek home when he opted for a shortcut through Starlight Park to save time. Unfortunately, this decision led him into a confrontation with two assailants just five minutes from his residence. As detailed by his sister, Nelroby Marte, he had previously encountered danger on the subway system during an attempted robbery, which heightened his fear of the transit system and led him to prefer walking as a safer option.
At approximately 2:49 a.m., responding to a 911 call, law enforcement discovered Marte with a gunshot wound to the chest in the secluded park near West Farms Road and East 174th Street. Emergency medical personnel transported him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The aftermath of this incident witnessed the apprehension of two suspects linked to Marte’s murder. Axel Martinez, aged 20, was arrested on September 18, two weeks following the incident, while 19-year-old Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo surrendered to authorities at the 43rd Precinct a week later. Both individuals face multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. Investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier committed a robbery that day, attacking another victim nearby.
Marte’s family has painted a picture of a kind individual who faced bullying during his school years yet maintained a gentle spirit. His accomplishments included earning an associate’s degree in graphic design, and he had been employed at Amazon for three years. His cousin, Richard Jean-Baptiste Marte, provided insights into his character, highlighting his hardworking nature and aspirations.
In the wake of his untimely death, a GoFundMe campaign raised over ,000 for funeral expenses, showing the community’s outpouring of support for the family. As they navigate this devastating loss, Nelroby Marte expressed how Ronell’s spirit shone brightly, encapsulating the sorrow and disbelief surrounding the circumstances of his passing. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in urban environments and the ongoing challenges of safety within the city’s transit and public spaces. The tragedy of Ronell Marte’s death raises important questions about violence, safety, and the protection of vulnerable community members in the Bronx and beyond.
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