In the early hours of May 16, 2018, the life of 41-year-old Raymond Rue was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence within the familiar confines of his own apartment building in the Baisley Park housing project in South Jamaica, Queens. Rue, a resident of the second floor, was discovered in the hallway just steps from his own door, having been shot in the head at approximately 2 a.m.
The investigation into the murder led detectives from the 113th Precinct to a crucial piece
of evidence: surveillance video from the building. The footage captured the chilling moments of the attack, showing a man raising a firearm to Rue's head and firing at least one shot. The video also revealed the presence of a second individual, prompting a search by law enforcement for this other person of interest.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested Walter Ware, a 46-year-old man from Brooklyn, in connection with the fatal shooting. Ware was subsequently charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned on May 22, 2018, and faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted for his alleged role in the death of Raymond Rue. The community was left to grapple with the violent loss of a resident, while the wheels of justice began to turn for the man accused of ending his life.
