On Wednesday, October 30th, police were called out to an apartment building in the South Bronx after concerned residents heard multiple gunshots being fired at around 9:30 P.M. When police arrived at the apartment units on Southern Boulevard, they discovered three individuals all suffering from gunshot wounds.
The 34-year-old suspect was discovered first, slumped over outside of the building. The man had a handgun next to his body, and police’s initial determination was that the man might have shot himself. He was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive.
Unfortunately, several witnesses in and around the apartment unit witnessed the man reportedly shoot himself.
Investigators were then directed to the apartment unit, where the gunshots were heard. Inside, officers found the suspect’s two parents, both 57-years-old, deceased. The female victim appeared to have passed away after being hit with a single bullet to the head, whereas the male victim had multiple gunshot wounds all over his body.
Investigators determined that the suspect did not have any criminal history, and it’s unclear what could’ve provoked the violence. A witness near the apartments said they saw the male victim visit a deli just before the violence occurred. The victim purchased a lottery ticket, which was very characteristic of him, and then went upstairs to his unit. It was a matter of minutes before the gunshots rang out.
The witness also saw the suspect sitting out on the stairs for a long period of time before he heard additional gunshots that were likely fatal for the 34-year-old.
The family reportedly lived in the unit for 15 years and were viewed by neighbors and other residents as very quiet and reserved people.
Can You Defend Yourself Against Murder Charges in New York?
While the motive for this violent crime remains unseen, it’s important to note that the 34-year-old suspect reportedly spent several minutes debating on how to handle what had happened before he decided to turn the gun on himself.
It’s possible that the suspect may have falsely believed that he didn’t have any other option. It’s important to remember that you always have the right to defend yourself against criminal charges, even if they’re as serious as murder.
When it comes to the case of murder, extreme emotional distress or acting in the heat of passion are both solid legal defense strategies that can be used in court. In many murder-related cases, the best way to manage your situation is to reduce the severity or degree of your charges. If the incident wasn’t premeditated, then it’s more likely that a judge and jury will be more lenient on you.
Here at Bukh Law Firm, our team of experienced and qualified criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your situation and identify your possible defense strategies if you’ve recently been charged with a violent crime.
Schedule a free case review with our team now to learn more about our services.