On the night of October 23, 2023, 32-year-old Rick Cumberbatch, a Black male, was fatally shot in the lobby of his Crown Heights, Brooklyn, apartment building. The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on New York Avenue near Prospect Place. Cumberbatch was on the phone with his girlfriend, Kshana Ashley, just moments before the shooting, telling her he was stepping outside to 'get something from somebody.'
He was attacked before he could even leave the building.
Residents of the building called 911 after hearing gunshots. When police arrived, they discovered Cumberbatch with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The following morning, his grieving girlfriend was seen sobbing in the lobby where his dried blood remained. She expressed her confusion, stating that he did not have conflicts with anyone.
Investigators recovered approximately five shell casings from the scene of the crime. Cumberbatch, a father to a 9-year-old daughter, was remembered by his sister, Rikida Cumberbatch, in a social media tribute. A candlelight vigil was held in his memory, attended by family and community members. As of now, the investigation into Rick Cumberbatch's murder is ongoing. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
