by David Cruz 

Police in the 52^nd Precinct have closed the case on a four-month-old fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in Bedford Park. Cops have charged 19-year-old Hector Bueno of Norwood in the fatal shooting Michael Beltre, shot in the face while running errands.  Beltre had arrived from the Dominican Republic two years prior with his family, settling in the Tremont neighborhood with his family.

He was killed in front of 2622 Jerome Avenue, just several blocks from the Kingsbridge Armory and across the street from St. James Park. The area, a mix of stores and residential apartment buildings, is normally bustling during the daylight hours. Evening hours often attract prostitution along neighboring Davison Avenue and drug deal in St. James Park.

According to police, Beltre spoke to two assailants, Bueno being one of them, when Beltre was shot in the face. Beltre and his assailant soon fled as police and paramedics rushed to the scene. Beltre was bussed to St. Barnabas where he died from his gunshot wound.

Bueno faces several charges, including 2^nd degree murder, manslaughter, and other gun-related charges. It’s unclear whether the gun Bueno allegedly carried was registered.