On a spring day that held the promise of a new beginning, Raul Cordero, a 39-year-old father of three, was filled with excitement as he helped his longtime girlfriend set up furniture in their new apartment in the Harbor View Apartments in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The couple was looking forward to a family trip to the Poconos, a well-deserved break to celebrate their new home.
Tragically, their plans and dreams were violently cut short on March 26, 2021.
As Cordero was in the courtyard of the apartment complex, he was approached by two men. An argument broke out, and the situation quickly escalated. One of the men pulled out a gun and shot Cordero in the chest. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Cordero grievously wounded. Emergency services rushed him to Coney Island Hospital, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead.
The New York Police Department released surveillance footage showing two individuals described as 'persons of interest' in connection with the murder. Both men were described as being in their mid-20s. One was seen wearing a white T-shirt, a black vest, and gray sweatpants. The other wore a black hooded sweat jacket adorned with a white paisley design. Despite the circulation of these images and an ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made in the case.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, leaving a void in the hearts of his loved ones. Known affectionately as 'Macho,' Cordero was a devoted father to two young sons and a daughter. His family, including his distraught mother-in-law, was left to grapple with the senseless violence that stole him from them. They continue to hope for justice, holding onto the possibility that those responsible for his death will be identified and brought to account for their actions.
