On June 19, 2018, 22-year-old Jose Velez was shot in the chest while sitting in his car at Van Nest Avenue and Unionport Road in the Bronx. The shooting happened in broad daylight; Velez’s girlfriend was in the passenger seat and witnessed the attack. After being shot, Velez tried to drive away but crashed into several parked cars and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he died.

Police say the confrontation began when a former friend and roommate, Thomas Bowles, approached Velez’s vehicle and argued with him. Michael Rodriguez, Bowles’s brother, then arrived and fired the fatal shot. Both men were arrested and charged with murder; prosecutors allege the shooting was premeditated and that Bowles deliberately lured Velez to the location so Rodriguez could carry out the attack. The victim’s girlfriend reportedly received threats on social media while she and Velez’s family continued to attend court hearings and share information about the suspects.

Anyone who knew Jose Velez or who has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.