The NYPD said the person sought in connection to the reported murder of a 26-year-old woman and a 6-year-old girl in the Eastchester section of The Bronx, has been found deceased.

 

On Saturday, March 5, at approximately 11.56 p.m., police responded to a call for a wellness check at a building on Monticello Avenue in Eastchester, located in the 47th precinct.

 

Upon arrival, police observed the 26-year-old woman and the 6-year-old girl, both with stab wounds about their bodies and both unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced both deceased at the scene.

 

The identities of the deceased had been pending proper family notification.

 

Police later confirmed on Sunday, March 6, that the deceased victims had been identified as Gabrielle Muniz, 26, of Monticello Avenue in The Bronx, and Rozara Estevez, 6, also of Monticello Avenue in The Bronx.

On Monday, March 7, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson released a statement, saying she was deeply saddened and disturbed by news of the incident. “According to the NYC Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee’s 2021 Annual report, The Bronx had the highest number of Domestic Violence homicides of any borough in the city,” she said. “These statistics are heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Norwood News had previously reported on these statistics in the context of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We had also previously highlighted ways in which people can protect themselves against cyberstalking. Volunteers for America were due to receive $30 million to run two additional Bronx Domestic Violence Shelters in 2020.

Gibson continued, “During my time in the City Council, and as the former co-chair of the women’s caucus, we worked with organizations and providers that were on the ground providing support to survivors of Domestic and Gender Based Violence. Last month, our office reinstated our Domestic and Gender Based Violence Advisory Council and we will be working with providers from throughout the city to identify areas in which we can collaborate to find solutions to this problem in our borough.”

The borough president concluded, “Domestic violence is an epidemic that affects everyone, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is a crime that we must reject, punish and work to eradicate. On behalf of our Bronx community, I offer condolences and prayers to the loved ones of those who were tragically killed by this horrific act of violence. To all of the survivors of Domestic and Gender Based Violence, I want you to know that you are not alone, and we will continue to fight for you.”