Story perspectives

Backlash After Mayor Posts Condolences for Murder Suspect

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 3:26 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted condolences for inmate Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo, prompting backlash.
Castillo faced murder and robbery charges for killing Ron Marte, a man with special needs, in Bronx’s Starlight Park.
Critics, including FOX Business anchor David Asman, said Mamdani showed more sympathy for the suspect than the victim.
Mamdani announced ending 12-hour shifts, accelerating Rikers closure, despite critics’ warning that reduced capacity could hinder crime control.

1 of 1

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted condolences for inmate Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo, prompting backlash.
Castillo faced murder and robbery charges for killing Ron Marte, a man with special needs, in Bronx’s Starlight Park.
Critics, including FOX Business anchor David Asman, said Mamdani showed more sympathy for the suspect than the victim.
Mamdani announced ending 12-hour shifts, accelerating Rikers closure, despite critics’ warning that reduced capacity could hinder crime control.