Axl Ortiz, 21, was fatally shot on June 22, 2026, in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. He was found on the sidewalk at 413 East 187th Street around 6:15 p.m. with a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Friends had reportedly warned Ortiz about dangers in the area after his recent move to the Bronx from Queens; he was described as White or possibly Hispanic.

Investigators say the shooting had the hallmarks of a targeted, execution-style attack at point-blank range. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a medium-build man in dark clothing and a hoodie approach Ortiz, fire a single shot, then flee. A witness heard one gunshot; a bloodstain and a lone baseball cap were left at the scene. The NYPD confirmed no arrests had been made and the investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information about Axl Ortiz or the person seen on the footage is asked to come forward.