Here are some of the Bronx stories we’re following this Friday.
Man Shot Attending Anniversary Vigil
As friends and family gathered to mourn the murder of Michael Ikoli, who was shot dead in the Bronx on Webster Avenue, almost a year ago, a man walked up to the gathering and shot 22 year-old Jonathan Lewis in the chest. He died soon after at St. Barnabas Hospital. Police have arrested 18 year-old, Darrell Patillo, for the murder of Lewis, saying they found him lying under a van five blocks away.
Billboard Music Recognizes Bronx Artist
Bronx native and Bachata and Reggaeton artist Prince Royce walked away with eight awards on Thursday night at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. He is among a growing group of Latin artists who mix English and Spanish into their songs.
Missing Autistic Boy Back Home
13 year-old Ross Harrison is back home with family after running off Tuesday, in their West 182 street neighborhood. Officers said they found him riding a subway in Brooklyn early Friday and he was in good condition.
Crime Victims Week Art Display
A poignant display created by crime survivors is on display this week in the Bronx County Building Rotunda. An annual event, the Crime Victims Week Clothesline, features t-shirts decorated by children and adults traumatized by rape, child abuse, gun violence and other misfortune.
Beaten Bronx Teen Files Civil-Rights Suit
Tyre Davis, who was beaten by two NYPD officers in February 2011, has filed a federal civil-rights suit against the NYPD. According to Davis, an officer from the 46 precinct slapped him in the face with his badge after he asked for his badge number. Two officers then followed and continued to assault Davis, only yards away from the station house they just ejected him from. The officers, who were unaware the attack was being captured by a building surveillance tape, were arrested and charged with assault five months later.
TSA Agent Pleads Guilty
49-year-old Brigitte Jones of the Bronx, N.Y. pleaded guilty to bribery and extortion charges on Thursday. Jones accepted cash in exchange for allowing controlled substances to pass through Westchester County Airport.
Closing Arguments in Espada Trial
After six weeks of testimony in the embezzlement trial of former State Senator Pedro Espada, and his son Pedro Gautier Espada, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Kaminsky presented its closing arguments yesterday. Kaminsky detailed the evidence against Espada and his son, including lavish trips, gifts, and parties the Espadas splurged on while the clinic he founded struggled to pay its bills.
The elder Espada faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.