Early on Sunday, September 17, 2023, an unsettling crime unfolded in the Bronx, New York City. 80-year-old Marcelino Valerio became the unsuspecting victim of a cold-blooded shooting just moments after he and his spouse arrived home from a Sweet 16 party.
The couple had just been dropped off by a car in front of their residence at 1209 Ogden Ave. in Highbridge. A person dressed entirely in black, wearing a ski mask, was seen pedaling on a bike or scooter. The individual initially rode past Valerio’s building, only to circle back moments later. As the elderly man and his wife alighted from their vehicle, the masked assailant approached and shot Valerio twice – with one of the shots being directly to his head.
The immediate aftermath of the attack was nothing short of harrowing. The distraught reaction of Valerio’s wife was palpable, with two other women from the car rushing to the scene, seemingly attempting to help or find assistance. Regrettably, their efforts, as well as those of nearby police officers who responded to the sound of gunshots, proved futile. Marcelino Valerio was pronounced dead at the scene.
As the community and police grapple with this shocking incident, the motive remains elusive. Marcelino Valerio had a reputation as a calm, hardworking individual. Aside from a DWI arrest in 1993, there seemed to be no other notable blemishes on his record. Those who knew him described him as a kind and peaceful man.
While the investigations are ongoing, the shooter remains at large. The NYPD is actively working on leads and has urged the public to come forward with any pertinent information that might aid in the capture and prosecution of the assailant.
This tragic event has undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the Highbridge community, reigniting concerns about safety and the sanctity of life. While the 44th Precinct has noted a decline in homicides and shootings in recent times, the senseless killing of an 80-year-old man serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of crime and the importance of community vigilance.