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Bronx Man, 78, Killed by Stray Bullet Amid Rising Violence

4/17/2026

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Edgar Spence, a 78-year-old Bronx resident, was killed by a stray bullet in the Mott Haven neighborhood on Thursday night after police responded to an assault.
Investigators say Spence was not targeted and died at a hospital despite rescue efforts.
The shooting follows other violence, including the death of a young man in a feud.
Bronx crime fell 9.4% in early 2026, with 54 murders in the first quarter.

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Story summary

Edgar Spence, a 78-year-old Bronx resident, was killed by a stray bullet in the Mott Haven neighborhood on Thursday night after police responded to an assault.
Investigators say Spence was not targeted and died at a hospital despite rescue efforts.
The shooting follows other violence, including the death of a young man in a feud.
Bronx crime fell 9.4% in early 2026, with 54 murders in the first quarter.