On the evening of Friday, March 25, 2022, a tragedy unfolded in the Wakefield section of the Bronx that cut short the life of 19-year-old Kevaughn Anthony Reynolds, a male resident of the neighborhood. At approximately 6:48 p.m., the NYPD's ShotSpotter system detected gunfire near 4389 Matilda Avenue, prompting a swift police response. When officers from the 47th Precinct arrived at the scene, they discovered Reynolds in front of a deli located at 638 Nereid Avenue, just down the block from his
home. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.
Emergency medical services were immediately dispatched and rushed the young man to St. Barnabas Hospital in an effort to save his life. Despite their efforts, Kevaughn Reynolds was pronounced dead a short time after his arrival. The initial phase of the investigation into the fatal shooting began, with detectives canvassing the area for evidence and seeking information from the public. In the immediate aftermath, no arrests were made, and the search for the person responsible was ongoing.
The investigation continued, and on Friday, April 15, 2022, authorities announced an arrest in connection with the murder of Kevaughn Reynolds. Brian Smith, a 30-year-old man from the Highbridge section of the Bronx, was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with murder, manslaughter, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. As with any arrest, the charges against Smith are accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
