Bronx man charged with killing mother-in-law and stabbing wife previously threatened to kill them two years ago, according to district attorney.

In a gruesome incident that has shaken the Bronx community, Ramon Reyes has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a violent attack that left his estranged wife, Massiel Guerra, critically injured and her mother, Rosmery Tapia Batista, dead. The shocking events unfolded early Sunday morning in the family’s Park Avenue apartment near East 161st Street, according to announcements made by Bronx prosecutors.

Reyes, 47, reportedly has a history of domestic violence and previously threatened Guerra in front of their two young sons, aged 8 and 10. Prosecutors revealed that just two years prior to the most recent incident, Reyes beat Guerra while warning her, “If you are not with me, I’ll kill you.” This earlier assault involved Reyes attacking Guerra in a stairwell, an episode that also involved physical aggression towards Tapia Batista. Witnesses recounted the horror of that day, with the couple’s children screaming for their mother as chaos erupted.

Reyes was arrested in relation to that attack and had entered a diversionary program, which allowed him to avoid jail time despite pleading guilty to charges of assault and menacing. Juxtaposing this attempted protective measure, a full order of protection was issued against him, valid until August 2026. However, prosecutors allege that this order failed to prevent his violent actions once again.

On the fateful morning of April 6, Reyes allegedly entered the apartment through a fire escape, attacking Tapia Batista first, stabbing her multiple times in the chest before shifting his attack to Guerra. During this traumatic event, both boys were present and witnessed the assault. Prosecutor Jennifer Esposito described the tragedy, emphasizing the brutal reality: “The children’s grandmother was stabbed to death while the children were present in the home.”

Reyes has been arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court, facing charges including murder, attempted murder, and burglary. The judge has ordered him held without bail, recognizing the severity of the offenses and the danger he poses. As investigators delve deeper into Reyes’ prior encounters with law enforcement—eight arrests in total—family members cope with the aftermath of the attack. Guerra is currently hospitalized in critical condition following emergency surgery.

The incident marks a troubling pattern of domestic violence, underscoring systemic issues that often fail to protect victims despite existing legal orders. As the investigation continues, the community reflects on the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard individuals in domestic violence situations and to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The two young boys, now left without their mother and grandmother, are currently in the care of relatives, navigating an uncertain future in the wake of this harrowing event.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting discussions around domestic violence prevention strategies and the effectiveness of legal protections intended to shield victims. Media News Source reports that community members are rallying for greater support for individuals facing similar situations, further highlighting the profound impact this incident has had on the neighborhood and raising awareness about the necessity for systemic change.