Brexialee Brexi A. Torres

An 11-year-old girl named Brexialee Brexi A Torres Ortiz tragically lost her life on January 16, 2023, in Syracuse, New York. On that evening, the sixth-grader, who was the president of her class at Blodgett Middle School, was walking home from a corner store with a gallon of milk she had just purchased for her family. As she walked near Oakwood Avenue, she was caught in the crossfire of what authorities described as a gang-related drive-by shooting. Brexialee was struck by a bullet and later died at a local hospital. She was an innocent bystander in an act of violence that was not intended for her. Another individual, a 19-year-old man believed to be the intended target, was also shot but survived his injuries.

The senseless death of the young girl, who was remembered for her bright smile and positive spirit, spurred an intensive investigation by the Syracuse Police Department. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of three suspects. In the days following the shooting, Rasean Patterson, 18, and Dahviere Griswold, 20, were taken into custody. A third suspect, 16-year-old Dekai Bridges, was also apprehended. The investigation revealed that Bridges was on furlough from a juvenile facility on the day of the shooting. All three were charged with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon.

The legal proceedings brought a measure of justice for Brexialee's grieving family and the shaken Syracuse community. Dekai Bridges and Rasean Patterson both accepted plea deals to avoid a trial. In December of 2023, they were each sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for their roles in the murder. The third suspect, Dahviere Griswold, opted to go to trial. In June of 2024, a jury found him guilty on all counts, including the murder of Brexialee Torres Ortiz. His decision to not accept a plea deal resulted in a harsher potential sentence. Throughout the court proceedings, Brexialee's mother and other family members were present, enduring the painful details of her final moments. The case highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives and led to community calls for action to create a safer environment for the city's youth.