Michael Monclus, 26, was killed on May 8, 2021, in a stairwell at the NYCHA Lexington Houses on East 99th Street in East Harlem. Monclus, a Washington Heights resident, was shot twice, once in the back and once in the side, and was found bleeding and unresponsive; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say the two men who arranged the meeting were Tom Ruiz and Jonathan Tolentino, members of the Givenchy Stone Savages subset of the Bloods. Ruiz reportedly had a prior relationship with Monclus and was involved in distributing marijuana and pills for him; Tolentino was described as seeking to raise his status within the gang. The motive given was robbery and to gain standing within the gang; the killers allegedly stole Monclus’s car and other belongings after the shooting. Ruiz also reportedly made internet searches that day including how long it takes a person to bleed out.

If anyone knew Michael, his movements that night, or has information about the stairwell on East 99th Street, please share what is known.