On Sunday afternoon, July 17, 2022, 46-year-old Rabel Ramos-Gomez was fatally struck by a stray bullet inside R&A Supermarket in Newark while he was cooking for customers. A witness described the rapid gunfire as sounding like a machine gun. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Ramos-Gomez and his wife had taken over the bodega in 2019. He was known in the neighborhood for generosity, including closing the store one day a week during the pandemic to cook and distribute food for those in need. Neighbors and customers remembered him as a kind man who treated everyone like family.

Surveillance footage from the area played a role in the investigation. On July 22, 2022, authorities announced the arrest of 24-year-old Quadree Richardson of Newark in Kearny; he was charged with murder and weapons offenses. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is handling the case.

If anyone knew Rabel or has information about the shooting, please share what you can.