In the early morning hours of March 6, 2026, the life of 27-year-old Jayvontae Simmons was cut short in a fatal shooting inside his apartment building in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. The incident occurred at the Forest Houses, a NYCHA complex, where police responded to a 911 call shortly after 6:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Simmons unconscious with a gunshot wound to his head.
Emergency responders rushed him to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was later pronounced dead.
The shooting prompted a significant police presence at the apartment building throughout the day as detectives cordoned off the area to search for evidence. Investigators were seen leaving the building with brown paper evidence bags as they worked to understand the events that led to the deadly encounter. Residents of the building were shaken by the violence, describing Simmons as a respectful and helpful member of the community.
Authorities have stated they are searching for three men in connection with the fatal shooting of Simmons. Doorbell camera footage reportedly captured part of the incident, showing at least two masked individuals running toward Simmons inside the building just before gunshots were heard. During the struggle, Simmons' cellphone was knocked from his hand. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.
