A 46-year-old man was shot and killed in the neck in the South Bronx.

A man was fatally shot in the neck on Friday evening while sitting outside his apartment building in the Bronx, according to police reports. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Washington Avenue, near East 164th Street, as authorities received a 911 call about the shooting.

Responding officers discovered the victim, later identified as 46-year-old James Gaines, in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his neck. Emergency medical personnel transported him to Lincoln Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Witnesses at the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one bystander stating that the victim was lying on his back after the shooting. The witness, a 48-year-old mechanic who preferred to remain anonymous due to his employment in the area, recalled that the victim had been seated on the sidewalk watching a video on his phone just prior to the incident. In a grim detail, the witness noted that Gaines’ phone continued to play a show even over an hour after the shooting, highlighting the suddenness of the attack.

Evidence at the scene indicated the tragedy unfolded quickly. Gaines’ belongings, including a knapsack and a thermos, lay close to a pool of blood, symbolizing the former calm of the evening disrupted by violence. The gunman reportedly fled the scene on foot, prompting a swift investigation by law enforcement.

As of now, police have not made any arrests and are actively seeking leads in the case. Investigators are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive behind it, though details remain scarce.

This tragic event adds to ongoing concerns about gun violence in urban areas, particularly in neighborhoods where community members often gather in public spaces. As investigators delve deeper into the case, residents express unease, reflecting a broader anxiety around safety in their communities.

Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues. The killing of James Gaines marks yet another loss to the growing gun violence crisis impacting cities across the nation.

This shocking occurrence has left a community grappling with its implications, and it underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address gun violence and enhance public safety.

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