Bronx family demands justice after 78-year-old grandfather killed by stray bullet

A Bronx family demands justice after a stray bullet struck and killed 78-year-old Edgar Spence as he sat in a courtyard at the Mitchel Houses, according to PIX11.

A Quiet Night Turns Deadly

Spence was sitting outside around 11 p.m. on Thursday, enjoying the warm weather in the courtyard where he often spent evenings. Gunfire erupted after a dispute among a group of young people, and one bullet struck him in the abdomen. He was rushed to a local hospital, but doctors could not save him. His family said he regularly sat outside on pleasant nights, often greeting neighbors and relaxing in the courtyard.

Flowers, balloons, candles, and personal mementos now fill the exact spot where the gunman shot him. Family members call the tribute touching, yet they believe someone who left an item there may also know who fired the fatal shot.

Edgar Spence’s Family Pleads for Community Help

Spence’s son, Michael Reid, traveled from Virginia to the Bronx after learning of his father’s death. He said the family feels devastated, frustrated and stressed that “snitching” should not stop people from speaking up. Reid urged neighbors to “tell” what they know, insisting that silence only protects the shooter. He added that the family wants the same urgency the city shows when an officer is shot.

Reid also said he believes the investigation has lacked attention and called on city leaders to address the case more aggressively.

Reward Offered as Pressure Builds after Bronx Grandfather Killed

Community activist Rev. Kevin McCall announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. He said he is committed to helping the family and pushing the investigation forward. McCall emphasized that someone in the community knows who fired the shot and urged residents to come forward.

Reid echoed that message and said the family feels “robbed of another day” with their father and grandfather. He described Spence as a beloved figure who neighbors across the community knew well.

NYPD Intensifies Search for Shooter

The NYPD said it is aggressively pursuing the killer or killers and remains on the trail of suspects, according to PIX11. Detectives are reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to determine who fired the shot that killed Spence.

Police have not made any arrests, and they have not released details about a suspect.