On a summer morning in Queens, New York, George Rosa Sr., a 53-year-old male, was simply walking his dog a few blocks from his Long Island City home. It was around 11:20 a.m. on July 25, 2020, near the intersection of 22nd Street and 40th Avenue, when a popping sound broke the neighborhood's calm. Rosa soon realized he was bleeding from his stomach; he had been struck by a stray bullet.
He was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Tragically, after a month-long fight for his life, George Rosa succumbed to his injuries and passed away on August 26, 2020. The investigation into the shooting revealed that Rosa was an unintended victim of gang violence. Two individuals had allegedly intended to shoot a rival gang member, but their errant shot found the beloved school teacher instead. The senseless act of violence cut short the life of a man who was a cherished member of his community.
An arrest was made in the case on August 25, 2020, following a separate shooting incident. Ike Ford, who was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first degree. Authorities also mentioned an accomplice who had not yet been apprehended. In January 2023, Ike Ford, then 19, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision for his role in the death of George Rosa.
