207 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Case Description
Any updates on this case?
On December 19, 1995, a tragic incident unfolded in the Bronx, New York, resulting in the death of 12-year-old Rafael Gonzales. Rafael was one of the victims in a horrific shooting spree that took place at Little Chester Shoes, a shoe store located near the Bronx Zoo. The shooter, identified as 22-year-old Michael Vernon, entered the store with the intent to rob it. When the store did not have the specific sneakers he wanted, Vernon opened fire, killing five people, including Rafael, his mother ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (3)
See any mistakes?Victim Details
Rafael Gonzales
Male
Hispanic / Latino
Bronx
NY
1995-12-19
12
Rafael
Gonzales
11/21/2025
Forum Posts (2)
Does anyone remember the community response after the tragedy at Little Chester Shoes? I’ve been r... ...Read More
09/20/2024
09/20/2024
I was just reflecting on the role that Little Chester Shoes played in its community before the trage... ...Read More
08/03/2023
08/03/2023
