June 20, 2025 BRONX, NY – A wave of grief and outrage has swept through a Bronx community following the fatal shooting of beloved resident Victor Bautista on Tuesday morning. As police intensify their search for the gunman, Bautista's heartbroken family and neighbors are left grappling with the senseless loss of a man they describe as a pillar of their community.
The tragic incident, captured on chilling surveillance video, unfolded on Trinity Avenue and 149th Street. The footage reportedly shows Bautista initially engaging in what appeared to be a friendly exchange with a suspect wearing a fluorescent work vest. However, the situation quickly escalated. The video then depicts Bautista throwing a punch at the suspect and shoving him against a wall, actions his family says were an attempt to de-escalate a volatile situation.
"He Just Terrorized the Block"
According to Bautista's partner, Brenda Rios, the suspected killer was a known menace in the neighborhood. "He just terrorized the block," Rios stated, her voice heavy with sorrow. "He scared everybody, he was always coming angry." This chilling account paints a picture of a community living under the shadow of a dangerous individual, now responsible for taking a cherished life.
Since the fatal shooting, dozens of candles, flowers, and heartfelt tributes have transformed the sidewalk where Bautista fell into a makeshift memorial. This outpouring of grief underscores the profound impact Bautista had on those around him. "He would help the homeless, feed the homeless... he was a great father, a great brother, a great friend, boyfriend," Rios tearfully recounted. "He was everything. The definition of a real man."
