BRONX, NY – The tranquility of Throggs Neck was shattered early Sunday morning when Jeremy Ortega, 24, was fatally shot just steps from his home on Quincy Avenue. The incident has left residents of this typically peaceful Bronx neighborhood grappling with shock and grief.
Authorities report that Ortega was attempting to enter his house when he was hit by two bullets in the chest shortly before 5 a.m. Despite being rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries. The crime scene on the 200 block remains active as investigators meticulously mark the area where violence erupted amid the backdrop of spring’s arrival.
“This neighborhood isn’t known for violence,” said a visibly shaken neighbor, reflecting the broader sentiment of disbelief shared by many residents. “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen here.”
Ortega, who had celebrated his 24th birthday just a week prior, was remembered by friends and family as a kind and amiable individual. “He was a nice person, very nice,” said a distant relative, echoing the sentiments of those who knew him.
The sound of gunfire not only claimed a life but also disturbed the peace of a community unaccustomed to such events. Neighbors describe Throggs Neck as one of the Bronx’s quieter areas, making the incident all the more unsettling.
Police are actively pursuing leads and are currently seeking multiple suspects in connection with the shooting. As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn and grapple with the uncertainty of the motive behind the attack.
In the wake of the tragedy, residents are left with little to do but hope for justice and healing. “We can only pray,” said a friend of Ortega, as tears flowed among those gathered to honor his memory.
The family, having moved to the area earlier this year, now faces the unimaginable task of mourning a life cut short so abruptly. Meanwhile, the neighborhood grapples with the fear that such violence could intrude upon their lives again.