Rafael Cepeda, 35, was killed on Christmas Day while walking from his apartment to the train station in Hempstead, New York to pick up his 11-year-old daughter. At about 6:25 p.m. on December 25, 2017, ShotSpotter alerted police to gunfire on Terrace Avenue. Officers found Cepeda suffering multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead about an hour later.

Authorities say Cepeda was an innocent bystander caught in crossfire during what they described as gang violence; the shooters allegedly intended to fire at a vehicle they believed held rival gang members. Two teenage suspects were identified as responsible: 16-year-old Shameq Sullins, arrested January 2, 2018 and accused of acting as a lookout, and 17-year-old Antoine Foster, located and arrested in Alexandria, Virginia on June 20, 2018. Both were charged with second-degree murder.

The victim was a father whose holiday plans included celebrating with his daughter. If anyone has information about Rafael Cepeda or his killing, please share what you know.