In the early afternoon of June 5, 2024, the life of 36-year-old Gregory Ramos-Falcon was tragically cut short in Syracuse, New York. At approximately 1:43 p.m., the sound of gunfire pierced the air around 128 Steuben St., prompting multiple 911 calls and a Shot Spotter alert that brought Syracuse Police Officers to the scene. There, they found Ramos-Falcon suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by those first on the scene and further medical intervention at Upstate Hospital, his injuries proved to be fatal.
The Syracuse Police Department's CID Homicide Unit immediately launched an extensive investigation into the shooting. Detectives worked tirelessly, conducting numerous interviews and canvassing the neighborhood and the wider city for any information that could lead them to the person responsible for Ramos-Falcon's death. Their methodical approach involved the execution of several search warrants and a careful analysis of all the evidence they collected. Through this diligent police work, a suspect was identified: Rafael Cruz-Vazquez.
An arrest warrant for Cruz-Vazquez was issued on June 13, 2024. Just four days later, on June 17, he was located and apprehended by authorities in Puerto Rico. Following his capture, the legal process to bring him back to New York began. On July 11, 2024, Cruz-Vazquez was extradited by the Syracuse Police Department Warrant Squad. He is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center as he awaits arraignment. The charges brought against him are severe: second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The investigation into the death of Gregory Ramos-Falcon is still considered active, and authorities continue to seek any additional information from the public.
