Suspect identified in shooting death of Bronx father originally from Belize.
Police in New York City have identified a suspect in the fatal shooting of Clay Monsanto Jr., a 32-year-old resident of the Bronx. The incident occurred on the morning of August 26, 2025, near the intersection of East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue in the Morris Heights neighborhood. Authorities are actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect, Evaristo Melendez, 47, who reportedly fled the scene after the shooting.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the assailant was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and blue sneakers at the time of the crime. A criminal history for Melendez, dating back to 2001, has been documented by law enforcement. After being shot in the back, Clay Monsanto Jr. was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Clay Monsanto Jr. was tragically the fourth member of his family to suffer from violent crime, following the murders of his father and two brothers in Belize. His family history highlights a legacy of violence that has shadowed them, with his brother Kadeem being shot to death in Belize City in 2011 at the age of 17. Furthermore, another brother, Claymar, lost his life as an infant in 2002, being shot amidst an attack against their father, Clay Monsanto Sr. The elder Monsanto was killed in a separate incident in Belize shortly before Easter in 2024 after being deported from the United States.
Witnesses reported that police recovered eight shell casings at the scene of Clay Monsanto Jr.’s shooting, and a gun was found in his right back pocket. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence, particularly in urban neighborhoods.
Monsanto Jr. emigrated to the United States as a teenager in 2008, escaping the pervasive violence in his native Belize. His wife, Nikkea Molina, expressed that he had developed a spiritual resilience despite familial tragedies, believing there is life after death. She described him as charismatic and personable, adding that he was devoted to their four-year-old son and a newborn daughter.
As authorities continue their investigation into this disturbing case, they urge anyone with information regarding Evaristo Melendez’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. The police have assured that all calls will remain confidential. The public’s assistance is deemed critical in resolving this matter, as the city grapples with the broader implications of gun-related incidents and community safety.
