Alejandro Ramirez, a 45-year-old man, was fatally shot in the chest on Father’s Day in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood while on his way home from work at Pizza Palace. Another man, Michael James, was also killed, and a third victim was wounded in the leg. A 16-year-old was arrested in connection with the shootings, but no motive has been given. The number of shootings in New York City has decreased compared to last year, but the community in Inwood was shaken by the violence and is preparing for a potential increase in gun violence during the summer months.
Alejandro Ramirez was known as a kind and friendly presence in the neighborhood, leaving behind a legacy as a caring individual. Memorials and vigils were held in his honor, with friends and neighbors coming together to mourn his loss and share stories of his impact on their lives. He had been a familiar face in Inwood since he was 18, working at a bodega before transitioning to Pizza Palace, where he had become a beloved member of the community. Despite having grown apart from his family, coworkers and customers at Pizza Palace had become his second family.
Neighbors and friends recalled fond memories of Alejandro Ramirez, describing him as a hard worker who always had a smile on his face. He was known for chatting with customers and bringing humor to everyday interactions. His colleagues at Pizza Palace mourned his loss, remembering him as someone they enjoyed spending time with both at work and outside of it. His son, Alex Ramirez, expressed regret over not speaking to his father in years but spoke highly of him and the care he showed for his family.
The fatal shooting of Alejandro Ramirez was a rare event in New York City and nationally, with homicides down compared to the previous year. However, the summer months often see an increase in violence, as seen by the recent spike in shooting victims in the city. The motive behind the attack that claimed Mr. Ramirez’s life remains unknown, with surveillance footage showing a hooded man firing shots at a group of people before fleeing the scene. Mr. Ramirez was able to make it to a nearby restaurant seeking help after being shot, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Alejandro Ramirez was remembered fondly by those who knew him, with a vigil held in his honor at Pizza Palace. The community came together to pay tribute to him, sharing stories of his kindness and impact on their lives. His son, Alex Ramirez, expressed his regret over not having spoken to his father in years but vowed to cherish the memories they shared. The arrest of a 16-year-old in connection with the shootings brought some closure, but questions still remain about the senseless violence that claimed the lives of Alejandro Ramirez and Michael James. A sermon delivered in Spanish at the vigil highlighted the importance of hard work and kindness, qualities that Alejandro Ramirez exemplified in his life.
