Bronx man criticizes city’s gun crisis after mother, 78, killed by stray bullet.
The recent murder of a 78-year-old man in the Bronx due to gun violence has prompted a grieving son to call for urgent attention to the escalating gun crisis affecting communities of color in New York City. The victim, Edgar Spence, was shot while sitting on a scooter and playing cards with friends near Alexander Avenue and East 135th Street. His son, Darryl Spence, expressed profound sorrow over his father’s tragic death while questioning how many lives must be lost before the issue of gun violence is fully acknowledged.
Darryl Spence highlighted the alarming frequency of violence involving young people, particularly noting the previous shooting death of 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore in Brooklyn just days earlier. This tragic incident involved a 21-year-old gunman allegedly shooting indiscriminately while riding a moped. Darryl emphasized that these events should serve as wake-up calls for city officials and the broader community regarding the accessibility of firearms among youth.
As the city continues to grapple with these violent events, both the accused shooter in the Brooklyn case and an accomplice have been arrested, while the case concerning Edgar Spence remains unsolved. In an unrelated but equally concerning case, 15-year-old Jaden Pierre was brutally attacked and fatally shot in a Queens playground, further intensifying community fears about youth violence.
In response to rising tension around firearm-related crimes, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced a gang crackdown in Brownsville, planning to expand programs aimed at identifying at-risk youth. He stressed the necessity of addressing conflict resolution without resorting to gun violence, particularly in crowded public areas where children are present.
Despite these high-profile incidents, data reveals a decline in overall crime rates in New York City this year, with a reported 22% decrease in homicides through mid-April compared to the same period in 2025. The NYPD has indicated that the current year is on track for the lowest number of shootings and murders on record.
Edgar Spence, described as a generous and spirited individual, had spent much of his life working as a plumber and had recently faced health challenges that required him to utilize a scooter. His son expressed hope that law enforcement would dedicate resources to finding justice for Edgar, urging for a collective effort to combat the ongoing violence that devastates families and communities.
