June 5, 2025 NEW YORK, NY – Two separate, fatal shootings shattered the relative calm of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods on Wednesday night, claiming the lives of two men and marking a stark departure from recent crime trends. These incidents represent the first homicides in their respective precincts this year, occurring in areas where gun violence is notably rare, according to NYPD data.
Hell's Kitchen: A Life Lost Steps from Port Authority
Around 10:45 p.m., the vibrant streets of Hell's Kitchen turned tragic when 30-year-old Bronx resident Marco Reyes was fatally shot on West 42nd Street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. The location, mere steps from the bustling Port Authority Bus Terminal, underscores the unexpected nature of the violence.
Responding officers discovered Reyes with a critical gunshot wound to his head. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are actively searching for a male suspect last seen wearing all-black clothing who fled the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Reyes' death.
Chelsea: A Young Life Cut Short at Fulton Houses
Less than two hours earlier, at approximately 9:20 p.m., emergency services were called to the NYCHA's Fulton Houses on West 17th Street, between Ninth and 10th avenues, in Chelsea. There, officers found 21-year-old Raqiese Cohen, a resident of the building, unconscious with a gunshot wound to his neck. Cohen was also transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In Cohen's case, investigators have not yet released a suspect description, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
Uncharacteristic Violence in Low-Crime Precincts
These devastating incidents stand in stark contrast to the record lows in homicides and shootings reported across New York City this year through May, a trend highlighted by Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD just this week.
The 10th Precinct, encompassing Chelsea and Hudson Yards, had reported zero homicides by June 1 of last year, with only one occurring later in 2024. This year, there has been only one other reported shooting in the precinct.
