On the night of March 31, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded on the streets of Harlem, New York, leading to the death of 36-year-old Santiago Rafael Garcia deJesus. A Hispanic male from Yonkers, Garcia deJesus was fatally shot in front of a building on West 110th Street, near Malcolm X Boulevard and adjacent to Central Park. The shooting occurred at approximately 10:22 p.m., at which time police responded to the scene to find him with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.
Emergency services rushed him to Mount Sinai Morningside hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
For nearly a month, the investigation into the death of Santiago Rafael Garcia deJesus continued without an arrest. Then, on April 24, 2026, a significant development occurred in the case. The New York City Police Department arrested 32-year-old Antwan Ross in central Harlem in connection with the fatal shooting. Ross, a resident of the Washington Heights and Harlem area, was subsequently charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Known to his loved ones as "Santi," Santiago Rafael Garcia deJesus was a father, son, and brother. He graduated from Pleasantville High School in 2008 and later joined the Marine Reserve, an accomplishment he took great pride in. Remembered for his kind soul and generous nature, he was a lifelong learner who traveled and sought personal growth. He is survived by his two children, Amelia and Titan, as well as his parents and siblings.
