Harlem Community Mourns Grandmother Killed in Crossfire
A tragic shooting incident in Harlem has claimed the life of 61-year-old Excenia Mette, a beloved grandmother and community figure, who was caught in crossfire late Tuesday night. Described as a cherished member of the neighborhood, Mette was not the intended target during the violent encounter.
Incident Overview
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the shooting occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Malcolm X Boulevard. Two groups engaged in a gunfight, resulting in Mette being struck by a bullet while she stood on the sidewalk.
Emergency services promptly transported Mette to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.
Community Reactions
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident, emphasizing the senselessness of the violence that resulted in Mette’s death. He pointed to issues related to recidivism and the danger posed by repeat offenders in the city.
“No one expects coming from a store, beauty salon, or visiting a loved one to have notification that they lost a loved one due to this senseless violence,” said Mayor Adams. “But again, the action of repeated offenders—just last year stabbing two people, doing a robbery—is now involved in a shooting that took the life of a working-class person here in the city.”
In addition to Mette, a 23-year-old man was also injured during the shooting, suffering a foot wound. He is currently reported to be in stable condition at the same hospital where Mette was treated.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators have taken a person of interest into custody; however, no official charges have been filed thus far. The police continue to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Conclusion
The loss of Excenia Mette has deeply affected the Harlem community, where she was known as a caring grandmother and an integral part of local life. As investigations continue, community members are left to reflect on the tragedy and seek ways to prevent such incidents in the future.
