On the night of October 23, 2023, 32-year-old Rick Cumberbatch was fatally shot in the lobby of his Crown Heights, Brooklyn, apartment building on New York Avenue near Prospect Place. The shooting happened at about 11 p.m. while Cumberbatch was on the phone with his girlfriend, Kshana Ashley; he told her he was stepping outside to get something from somebody and was attacked before he could leave the building.

Residents called 911 after hearing gunshots. Police found Cumberbatch with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body; he was taken to Kings County Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators recovered approximately five shell casings at the scene. He was a father to a 9-year-old daughter; his sister, Rikida Cumberbatch, posted a social media tribute and a candlelight vigil was held with family and community members present.

The investigation is ongoing; no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made. If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew Rick, please come forward to help the investigation.