In the early morning hours of June 21, 2021, a vibrant life was tragically cut short on the streets of Inwood in Upper Manhattan. Milton Grant, a 34-year-old Black man, was sitting in his BMW on Dyckman Street when he was ambushed by armed assailants. A devoted family man and father of twin toddler boys, Grant was known for his love of life and his dedication to his family.
The attack unfolded with chilling speed.
Three armed men approached Grant and a friend who was with him, demanding their valuables. As Grant attempted to drive away to escape the robbery, he was shot in the head. The car, still in gear, rolled onto the sidewalk before coming to a stop. The assailants then brazenly robbed Grant of his watch, ring, and a chain as he lay dying. His friend was also shot and wounded in the attack but survived.
The senseless act of violence sent shockwaves through the community and left Grant's loved ones devastated. His fiancée, Nixia Jordan, described him as a hardworking man who took pride in the nice things he was able to provide for his family. The brazen nature of the crime, partially caught on surveillance video, highlighted a disturbing spike in violent crime in the city.
In the months and years that followed, law enforcement made significant progress in the case. Investigators identified the suspects as members of the 'Shooting Boys' gang. Eventually, four individuals were arrested in connection with the murder and robbery. Wander Rivera, Edward Perez, and Ramon Rodriguez were among those charged with racketeering, murder, and firearms offenses. The fourth suspect arrested was 18-year-old Ramon Rodriguez. The indictment brought against the gang members detailed a history of violent crimes, including robbery and murder.
