On the night of March 6, 2026, a dispute in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn turned fatal, claiming the life of 14-year-old Johary Cantave. The young boy was a passenger in a car, being driven home by his friend's father, Pedro Castellano, at approximately 11:40 p.m. They were near the intersection of 46th Street and Ninth Avenue, following Castellano's son who was on a moped.
The situation escalated when three unidentified males, all described as wearing ski masks and black
clothing, began to harass Castellano's son. Seeing one of the individuals brandish a firearm, Castellano instructed his son to flee. As Castellano searched for his son, the assailants opened fire on his vehicle. A single bullet struck Johary in the head. He was rushed to Maimonides Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The New York Police Department is actively investigating the homicide, though it remains unclear if Johary was the intended target of the shooting. A shell casing was recovered at the scene, but as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The three suspects remain at large.
Johary, the youngest of three siblings and a student at John Dewey High School, was remembered by his family and friends as a smart and great soul who was always looking out for others. The community has mourned his sudden and tragic death, with a memorial of candles spelling out his nickname, "Chris," appearing outside his apartment building.
