In the early hours of October 22, 2021, Anthony Morales, a 27-year-old Hispanic male, was fatally shot in the Clifton neighborhood of Staten Island. Known to his loved ones as 'Whiteboy,' Morales was a former football player for the Staten Island Hurricanes and had attended New Dorp High School. He was a father and was described by his family as a loving and protective man who cherished spending time with his family and friends.
On the night of his death, Morales was with a group of
friends outside the Stapleton Houses on Hill Street. At approximately 1:10 a.m., an assailant approached and punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The attacker then opened fire, striking Morales multiple times. In total, thirteen shots were fired, and Morales was hit by approximately eight bullets. He was rushed to Richmond University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and a motive has not been officially determined. Police recovered thirteen shell casings from the area and have been investigating potential gang connections and Morales's past criminal history, which included burglary and drug possession, as they search for the person responsible.
As of now, the investigation into the murder of Anthony Morales is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. His family and friends have mourned his loss and created makeshift memorials at the site of the shooting, hoping for justice to be served. The violent nature of his death has left the community shaken and concerned about gun violence in their neighborhood.
