More questions than answers in teen's fatal plunge

More questions than answers in teen's fatal plunge

By David Greene

 

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 14- A Mott Haven Teen has died two days after falling from the roof of a building-- after fleeing police officers and possibly a minor arrest for smoking marijuana in public.
 

Police sources say that a group of officers from the 52nd Precinct were on routine patrol, when a fed-up resident alerted cops to teens smoking pot in the lobby of 2685 Valentine Avenue in East Kingsbridge, at 7:35 p.m. on April 2.

 

As the group scattered, a pair of teens headed to the roof, where the victim apparently attempted to climb onto the adjacent roof-- and fell more than 60 feet to the courtyard below.

 

Rigoberto Morales, a resident of the building recalled, "As soon as my friend opened the door, the police ran in and started chasing the kids and I knew that was going to happen."


 

Minutes later Morales and several friends were sitting in his living room, when Morales continued, "I hear a boom and I thought (it's) those people throwing garbage out the window again."
 

Morales would soon learn that a former neighborhood resident, Hakeem Kuta, 17, a student at Bronx Envision Academy High School on Boston Road, had fallen from the roof and was critically injured.

 

In the confusion to offer assistance to Kuta and keep the tense crowd at bay, officers apparently allowed the still-unidentified 14 year-old to disappear in the crowd.

Morales says the front door to the building is kept locked, but stated, "Lately they (the teens) started to hang out in there and smoke marijuana and throw stuff on the floor, and the tenants don't like that."

 

Asked about the 14-year-old friend who police say was trying to save the doomed teen along with one of the officers, replied, "They are looking for his friend, but they haven't found him. They want to talk to him because obviously, people are saying that the police threw him off."

 

Morales added, "But I don't believe that."

 

Fellow resident Kevin DeJesus added, "Some kids do dumb things, that's why their kids. He shouldn't have to pay for this mistake with his life.

 

Kuta died less than 48 hours later at St. Barnabas Hospital.

 

A week after Kuta's death the building's porter revealed, "The door is alarmed, but the kids are still going onto the roof."

 

As a memorial, the porter would stick a tiny teddy-bear within a crack of cement that overlooked the debris-strewn courtyard where Kuta landed.

 

A new NYPD policy allows an individual to carry up to 25 grams of the drug, but smoking in public is still considered a crime. Police recovered a small amount of marijuana in the lobby.

 

Detectives from the Internal Affairs Bureau continue to investigate the incident.  

 

#NYPD #Teen #Plunge #Marijuana #Bronxnews 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx: Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx (Photos by Robert Press) By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 13- ECPW Wrestling came to St. Fra...

Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

(Photos by Robert Press)

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 13- ECPW Wrestling came to St. Francis Xavier School for the Annual Wrestling event on Saturday. 

It may not have been Hulk Hogan or John Cena, but the wrestlers who fought did their job as good as any other wrestlers. Hacksaw Jim 

Duggan, Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine , and others like 'Crazy Ivan, Ghetto Brown, Frankie Flow, and the tag team 'The Disrespectors to name only a few of the many wrestlers who appeared.

#Wrestling #HacksawJim Duggan, #GregThe HammerValentine

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks lose 3 straight

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks lose 3 straight: Yanks Lose Third Straight By Howard  Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- The opening week  homestand  of the Yankees has been a big d...

Yanks lose 3 straight

Yanks Lose Third Straight

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- The opening week homestand of the Yankees has been a big disappointment to their fans. New York lost its four of the first five games of the season on Saturday afternoon as the Red Sox triumphed, 8-4.

Although the returning from injury Yankee starting pitchers appeared to be the focus of Hot Stove League discussions this winter, the lack of hitting has been the biggest Yankee weakness during the first five games. The team currently has a .193 batting average.

Each of the two teams, the Yankees and Red Sox, used 21 players during Friday night’s marathon that lasted 6 hours and 49 minutes, but only the Yankee batters seemed to exhibit the tiredness that each player must have felt.

Boston’s manager talked to reporters of his ability to use bench players like Brock Holt, Allen Craig and Daniel Nava with effectiveness to replace his starters on Saturday, “It speaks to the depth of our roster.” His words were echoed by catcher Ryan Hanigan, “It was huge. These guys had awesome days. They had big hits.” 

Only Alex Rodriguez, the oldest man in the Yankee lineup in terms of age and longevity with the team, hit safely and also scored a run against Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly. 

The 39 year-old led off the second with a single to left. He moved to third on a walk and a wild pitch and crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly to right by DidiGergorius. 

The second was the only inning of the seven pitched by the Red Sox starter in which he allowed a baserunner. The righty has won all three of his starts against the Yankees. He is the first Boston pitcher to hurl a one hitter against the Yanks in the Bronx since Pedro Martinez on September 10, 1999. In each of his three victories over New York he has received strong offensive support from his teammates. They scored at least seven runs in each game. 

Boston skipper John Farrell expressed gratitude for Kelly’s performance, “He was outstanding. He helped us, especially after last night’s game. You’re looking for a starter to go deep. He wasn’t taxed, except in the second.”

Kelly spoke about his desire to remain in the game as long as possible, “Starters take pride in trying to save the bullpen.” He ended his day on a strong note by retiring the last 17 batters he faced. 

The only offensive show of force by the Yankees came in the eighth inning off reliever Alexi Oguendo. After retiring the first two batters in the inning, the reliever yielded singles to Gregorio Petit and Brett Gardner and a three-run homer to Chris Young. 

The Yankee starter Adam Warren was only making his fourth start in the majors, his first since September 27, 2013. He gave up only one earned run and five hits in 5.1 innings and should earn another starting opportunity. 

Masahiro Tanaka (0-1) and Clay Buchholz (1-0) will be on the mound to start the final game of the three game series on Sunday night.

#Yankees #RedSox #Bronxnews

Walking Dead at Yankee Stadium

Walking Dead at Yankee Stadium 

Cold Pitching, Bats Fail to Heat up Sparse Crowd

Red Sox Win Marathon Encounter

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Yankee Stadium looked like Zombieland last night as the Yanks slept walked through 19 innings to a small crowd that thinned by each yawning inning.

The newest addition to the starting rotation of the New York Yankees in Nathan Eovaldi. The righthander was obtained from the Marlins in December 2014 for two players who contributed mightily to the Yankees last year, David Phelps and Martin Prado. It was hoped by the Yankee brass that the 25 year-old would add youth and talent to its much injured staff of starters.

Eovaldi, born in Houston, resides in Alvin, Texas, the hometown of Hall of famer Nolan Ryan, which the Yankees hope is more than a coincidence. As a teenager, Eovaldi was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

His first major league start came in late in the 2011 season for the Dodgers. After 10 starts with Los Angeles in 2012, he was traded to Miami with Scott McGough for Hanley Ramirez and former Yankee hurler Randy Choate. 

Eovaldi had a losing record in each of his four previous seasons in the majors. He began his Yankee service after losing his last eight decisions with the Marlins in 2014. 

Eovaldi, like new teammate Michael Pineda, has been the victim of a lack of run support by his teammates. Last year, his run support, 2.70, during his starts was the lowest in the majors for a pitcher with at least 20 starts. That year was not an aberration as since 2011 his run support, 2.78, is the lowest for a pitcher with 75 starts for more. 

Eovaldi and the Yankees hope this streak of bad fortune will end now that he is in the American League and has new teammates. 

His first start of 2015 was on Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Boston Red Sox.

Eovaldi, the only pitcher in the current Yankee starting rotation who has given up more hits than innings pitched, saw this weakness do harm in the first inning. Three singles by Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval accounted for the first run of the game.

A second multi-hit inning in the sixth led to two additional Red Sox runs and Eovaldi’s departure. He left the game trailing, 3-0, after surrendering eight hits. He walked one batter and threw two wild pitches in his final frame.

Another unfortunate similarity with his starts in the National League was his lack of run support from his teammates at bat. The Yankees did not score a run while the starter was in the game. They only managed to hit safely twice, a double by Brett Gardner in the fourth and a single by Brian McCann in the fifth.

Yankee batters only awoke from their slump after Eovaldi left the field. A single by Alex Rodriguez drove in the first Yankee run in the bottom of the sixth. A solo home run by Chase Headley with two out in the bottom of the ninth knotted the score at 3 and saved Eovaldi from getting his ninth straight loss. 

There were no additional runs scored until the 16thwhen David Ortiz homered to put Boston in front.  Mark Teixeira, celebrating his birthday, hit a solo shot in the bottom of the tie inning to tie the score at 4. 

Each team scored a single run in the 18th, so the game continued. The game ended after 6 hours and 49 minutes in the 19th frame with a Red Sox win.

#Yankees #RedSox #WalkingDead

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Big Love

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Big Love: Bronx Big Love Woman has 8 Husbands Most Come from ‘Red Flagged’ Countries BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert Johnson anno...

Bronx Big Love

Bronx Big Love

Woman has 8 Husbands

Most Come from ‘Red Flagged’ Countries

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court indictment of 39-year-old Liana Barrientos on charges of offering false instruments for filing in the first degree (2 counts, Class E Felony).

Those false instruments were an application for a marriage license, and the signed marriage license itself, executed in the springtime of 2010 – stating this was Barrientos’ first and only marriage. The groom was a man named Salle Keita, whom she wed March 4^th, 2010, according to the indictment.

But he was far from the only groom, as it turned out. Barrientos is believed to be currently married to four people, and at one time she was married to eight of them at the same time. The case was brought to the attention of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigation Division. They indicated that seven of the men are from so-called “red-flagged” countries, which included Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Pakistan, and Mali. In 2006, Groom #8 – Rashid Rajput – was deported to his home country of Pakistan following an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The others whom she is alleged to have married, filing marriage certificates from Westchester to Long Island, and most without benefit of divorce: Mohamed Gebril - Egypt (married November, 1999) filed for Legal Permanent Resident Status (LPR)  1/26/00 using her - divorced 4/29/02; Ahmed Allam - Egypt (married November, 2001) filed for LPR 11/27/01 using her – divorced 11/20/04; Habibur Rahman – Bangladeshi (married November, 2001) - Currently Married; Davit Koridze - Georgia (married February, 2002) – Currently Married;        Duran Goktepe – Turkey (married March, 2002) filed for LPR 3/29/02 using her – divorced 1/10/07; Aliaksandr Paharelau – Czechoslovakia (married March, 2002) – possibly divorced 7/25/05; Vakhtang Dzneladze – Georgia (married May, 2002) filed for LPR 6/14/02 and approved using her and naturalized 11/15/06 – divorced 2/26/07; Rashid Rajput – Pakistan (married July, 2002) filed for LPR 8/21/02 using her – put into removal proceedings after Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation regarding making threatening statements toward the US and deported in 2006 – currently married; Kakhaber Khorbaladze – Georgia (married August, 2002) filed for LPR 8/27/02 and approved using her in 2006 – divorced 8/6/07; Salle Keita – Mali (married March 4, 2010) no valid immigration status – currently married. 

In Supreme Court today, before Justice Steven Barrett, Barrientos pled not guilty to the charges. If she is convicted, the defendant faces up to four years behind bars.

The case against Barrientos is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lupo of the Bronx D.A. Arson/Auto/Economic Crime Bureau, and the arrest was made by the Detective Investigator Det. Manuel Lara of the Bronx D.A.’s Detective Investigator Squad, led by Chief Frank Chiara, as well as ICE Special Agent Joseph Grimaldi.

The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#8husbands #NYPD #BronxDA #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Back to the Future for Yanks

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Back to the Future for Yanks: Back to the Future for Yanks Pitching Stinks A-Rod scores when  it doesn't matter (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Rich Man...

Back to the Future for Yanks

Back to the Future for Yanks

Pitching Stinks

A-Rod scores when 

it doesn't matter

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- Alex Rodriguez took his trip around the bases in the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium Thursday evening. The home run to deep left was so reminiscent of the many that have put him fifth on baseballs all-time list, though being in that company of an all-time great home run leader can be disputed due to his history of using performance enhancing drugs.

But the controversial days of dealing with the A-Rod 

steroid saga are over. That home run that gave the Yankees a lone run would not factor in the Yankees 6-3 series finale loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, however it was closure as to being away from the game all of last year from his 162-game suspension.

“I felt like I needed a Google map to run the bases, it's been so long," Rodriguez said. "Anything I can do this year is going to be a surprise, even for me." And for the Yankees, a team with an anemic offense in their first three games, any home run from Rodriguez at this juncture is a blessing. It was his first home run since September 20, 2013 which explained the reference to a google map.

Manager Joe Girardi at this point will also take whatever he can get from the bat of Rodriguez who batted second in the order and once again off the bench at DH. The Yankees are struggling at the plate, as was the situation most of last year. In their first three games they are 3-for-21 with runners in scoring position and went 1-for-9 in the finale.

Said Girardi about the Rodriguez home run, “If he drives the ball that’s a good sign for us. We need that production from him.” The 655th career home run was also significant because he is five shy of becoming fourth on the all-time list and joining Willie Mays. That would also mean cashing in the first of five $6 million bonus checks that the Yankees are supposed to pay under his 10-year $275 million contract.

Of course if that occurs, it is expected the Yankees will dispute the bonus based on the steroid history and drama A-Rod caused with management. That will be left for another time if indeed it happens. In the meantime Girardi will keep him in the lineup and hope for the best.

THE GAME: CC Sabathia (0-1) got the loss allowing five runs in 5.2 innings. The velocity of his fastball was down but he struck out eight Blue Jays without issuing a walk. He allowed the Jays four straight singles that led to runs in the second inning after two strikeouts in the first.

“I thought he threw the ball a lot better than what it looked like,” commented Girardi. "If he''s going to be hit that hard every time he starts I'll take it because he's not going to give up that many runs in most games. But it was just one of those nights."

Next for the Yankees are three games starting Friday night with the Boston Red Sox including the Sunday night ESPN game that concludes their first home stand of the season.  

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso   Twitter @Ring786

#Yankees #ARod #CC Sabathia #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Pineda the Ace of the Yankees Starting Rotation?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Pineda the Ace of the Yankees Starting Rotation?: Is Michael Pineda the Ace of the Yankees Starting Rotation?  (Photo by Gary Quintal) Tweet By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APR...

Pineda the Ace of the Yankees Starting Rotation?

Is Michael Pineda the Ace of the Yankees Starting Rotation? 

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

Tweet

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- Although the 2015 season is in its first week, Yankees fans have serious questions regarding the starting rotation. Much has happened to each of the Yankees starters of the opening day roster of 2014.

Hiroki Kuroda ended his major league career and 

returned to Japan to again pitch in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

CC Sabathia made only eight starts in 2014. Inflammation in his right knee required surgery and kept him on the disabled list From May 11 through the remainder of the 2014 season. He is scheduled to make his first start of the year this week.

Ivan Nova’s last of four 2014 starts of 2014 came on April 19. An MRI the following day showed a partial tear of his right ulner collateral ligament. Reconstructive surgery prevented Nova from pitching another game in 2014. He’s still on the DL.

Masahiro Tanaka was exceptionally effective in his rookie season in MLB until a right elbow injury kept him on the DL from July 8 through September 20. The results of his three starts since his return to action have been disappointing, especially to him.

Wednesday’s starter Michael Pineda was suspended by MLB for 10 days, April 24‐ May 5 last year. On the next day, May 6, he began a lengthy stint on the disabled list that lasted through August 12 due to a right shoulder muscle injury.

In his nine starts after returning from the DL Pineda was 3‐3, but his ERA was a superb 1.91. During 2015 Spring Training, he compiled a 2‐0 mark with a 1.42 ERA.

Pineda and Toronto’s starter R.A. Dickey also faced each in their first appearance of the 2014 season. In that contest, the Yanks lost 4‐0, but Pineda pitched very effectively, giving up five hits and one run in six innings. The Dominican native fanned five but did not walk a batter.

His 2015 debut performance was quite similar. He again pitched six frames, giving up two runs on six hits; he fanned six and walked one.

Another similarity in his starts was his lack of run support received. The Yanks scored two runs or fewer in nine of his 13 starts in 2014. Since August of 2011, he is the third lowest in the majors in runs scored by his teammates.

On Wednesday, the Yanks did not score a run until he had thrown the last of 96 pitches. They scored four runs to win the contest, 4‐3, but all were scored after he completed his performance.

Although it’s far too early in the season to determine who is the best Yankee pitcher in 2015, it should be mentioned that Pineda’s WYHIP of 0.83 was the lowest in the majors in 2014. Among active pitchers, Pineda is the lowest in opponents’ career batting average and lowest in career opponents’ on‐base‐ percentage.

#Yankees #Pitching #MichaelPineda #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up: Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up  (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- The plan was for the New York Yank...

Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up

Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up 

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- The plan was for the New York Yankees bullpen was for Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to be a force in what they call “The Two-Headed Monster.” One or the other would close games or come out of the gate to set up the closer in the eighth inning. On a cold and nasty night at Yankee Stadium the monster plan worked the first time for manager Joe Girardi.

Part of the Yankees strategy during the off season, when they lost closer David Robertson to free agency, was to find an alternative to fill the void. But Betances and Miller combined had two career saves. Girardi for the first time, in this the Yankees second game, went to Betances in the eighth and Miller worked a perfect ninth preserving a nasty Yankees 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The first win of the season for New York, and what is hoped will be more of that late bullpen duo in the Bronx.

Though Betances allowed an unearned run in that eighth inning, which gave Toronto a 3-1 lead at the time, his velocity with the fastball was at 97. Considering that Betances struggled down in spring training, and there were concerns with his velocity, this certainly was a boost.

A boost, because one of the positive factors about this Yankees team is the strength of their bullpen. Miller would get his first career save as a Yankee working a perfect ninth and threw strikes. The plan worked for Girardi this time, and the Yankees hope for many more finishes of this one-two punch out of the pen, that is assuming there are games to protect a lead in the late innings.

"I'm perfectly satisfied with the way that they've prepared us,” Miller said. “It's our job to get outs when called upon.

That's all we know." Miller, the left-hander combined to go 5-5 and a save with Baltimore and Boston last year. Betances, the right-hander had a stellar rookie season going 5-0 with a save. The earned run average was 1.40 in 7o appearances out of the pen.

It is a mix and match situation that Girardi will use when the situation is presented. Or could it be one or the other gets to close the game? That remains to be determined and after the second game of the season time will tell. The closer role for the Yankees was never an issue over the years because someone named Mariano Rivera had the job, and Robertson filled the role almost to perfection last season.

Betances (1-0) would get the win and Miller the save. Thursday evening the Yankees will be looking to get their first series win of the season. Will it be Betances getting the save or Miller getting the opportunity?

THE FIRST WIN: The Yankees came from behind with small ball and scored three runs in the eighth inning. Chase Headley got a tie breaking single that deflected off the wrist of Blue Jays’ reliever Brett Cecil…. There was a lack of offense coming from the Yankees in their second game on an otherwise ugly evening of weather at the ballpark for the announced 31.020 fans who braved the 43 degree temperatures, the smallest Yankees crowd since September 23, 2004 at the old ballpark across the street, though it appeared there were no more than 10-or 12 thousand in attendance…

Alex Rodriguez got the loudest and good cheers again and went 0-for-4…Jacoby Ellsbury reached base four times for the Yankees with two walks and two singles…. The one time ace, CC Sabathia gets his first start Thursday night in the series finale and all eyes will be watching to see the velocity and effects of a bad knee that ended his season against Milwaukee last May…

Michael Pineda tossed six innings, allowed two runs on six hits and struck out six. His first outing according to Girardi was efficient with the change up, slider and fastball. He would not get the decision. “The hitter,” Pineda said, “know I have three good pitches so I feel good about that.”

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #Pitching #MichaelPineda #Arod #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Social Media Stooges

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Social Media Stooges: Social Media Stooges Gang Used Facebook to Plan Crimes Cops Round Up Members in Raid BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- District Attorney R...

Social Media Stooges

Social Media Stooges

Gang Used Facebook to Plan Crimes

Cops Round Up Members in Raid

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- District Attorney Robert Johnson and NYPD Commissioner William Bratton announce the early morning raid by members of the NYPD’s 42^nd Precinct that netted eight members of the Lyman Place Gang, and the indictments of seven gang members already in custody, for crimes ranging from conspiracy to robbery to attempted murder.

The 57-count indictment unsealed in Bronx Supreme Court continues the investigation and prosecution that began late last year, when 11 Lyman members were indicted on charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy.

As with last year’s case, much of the gang members’ communication took place on Facebook, and related to the acquisition of firearms and ammunition, and the targeting of victims in rival gangs.

Some of those online communications also related to the robberies for which several members are charged, including one on March 1^st, 2015, in the vicinity of 1409 Prospect Avenue, during which three gang members allegedly robbed a food deliveryman of cash and a cell phone. Another took place on St. Patrick’s Day of this year at the Bright Star Deli, 858 Prospect Avenue, during which two of the accused allegedly punched an employee in the face and stole cash from the register.

District Attorney Robert Johnson noted that each of these arrests makes an important stride in making the streets safer for citizens in the Bronx: “This kind of violence is senseless, and it is our office’s goal, along with that of the NYPD, to make sure that guns are taken off the streets, and those wrongdoers who would use guns or other means to threaten the safety of law abiding citizens, are targeted by our investigations.”

"This investigation is an example of law enforcement addressing the violence caused by street crews such as the Lyman Gang whose reckless actions affect the quality of life of the residents where they operate. I want to thank the members of the 42nd Precinct and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for bringing these alleged crew members to justice,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton.

The District Attorney singled out for praise the 42^nd Precinct’s Field Intelligence Officers Sgt. Adrian Uruci and P.O. David Terrell, the NYPD’s Intelligence Bureau, and P.O. Brian Moore of the Juvenile Justice Division.  Also thanked for their work on the shooting and robberies are Det. Dan Brady, Det. Shane Rogers, Det. Luis Reyes, and Det. Carlos Lozada of the 42^nd Precinct.

The case against the Lyman Place Gang is being prosecuted by Bronx Assistant District Attorneys Christina Nowak and Felicity Lung of the Bronx D.A. Gangs/Major Case Bureau, as well as Edward Friedenthal, Counsel to the Bureau.

The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#NYPD #LymanPlaceGang #Facebook #BronxDA #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gunfire Erupts Outside of School: Gunfire Erupts Outside of School (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Police were looking for the gunman w...

Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Police were looking for the gunman who fired at least three shots as dozens of children played in a nearby schoolyard.

One of the shots hit the unidentified victim in the middle of his back outside of M.S. 22, which also houses the Jordan L. Mott Junior High School and the Bronx Writing Academy.

Police officers from the 44th Precinct were called to the intersection of East 167 Street and Morris Avenue and discovered the wounded 25 year-old male at 3:50 p.m. on April 6.

According to police officials the victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital and was expected to survive.

One unconfirmed report stated that police were looking for a light-skinned Hispanic male, who fled through the alley of the school towards East 166 Street.

Despite the recent deployment of the new NYPD program ShotSpotter, which pinpoints the exact location of gunfire, one business owner stated, "I'd say crime is up, way up.”

Officers in the 44th Precinct responded to a second shooting when a male victim was shot inside Joyce Kilmer Park at East 163 Street and the Grand Concourse.

Police continue to investigate both incidents.

 #NYPD #School #Shooting #Bronxnews

Opening Day Blues

Opening Day Blues

If A-Rod is the best they got Yanks are in trouble 

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- There were no remaining members of the “Core Four” at Yankee Stadium Monday afternoon. Derek Jeter was not spotted in the house for the first time in 20 years. But Alex Rodriguez returned and there was the unexpected fan reaction that said all was forgiven for A-Rod. The unfortunate result was the same that was seen last season in the Bronx as the Yankees got off to a bad start with a 6-1 loss to Toronto,

And there was Masahiro Tanaka on the mound which paved the way for more questions. The velocity from his fastball did not do the job. The five runs, four earned, and a two-run home run in the third inning off the bat of Edwin Encarnacion was too much to overcome. More so, the manager Joe Girardi was not concerned that there was anything wrong with the recurring issue of a right elbow that will be monitored each time he takes the mound. 

The right elbow will continue to be a question and each pitch will be monitored. It has been a concern since last July when the inflammation was detected, and If the Yankees do not have an effective Tanaka they could be one arm short than they need. 

“There is nothing wrong with him,” Girardi said. “The first two innings he looked pretty good.” However, the Yankees need more than 4.0 innings from Tanaka and he will be watched and monitored more and more during his next start Sunday evening against the Red Sox.       

Tanaka got out of the third inning with 54 pitches and Girardi did say there were “a lot of bad counts.” That is usually a sign that something may be wrong, but Girardi even during his pre game meeting with the media was putting a quick end to any reports that a diminishing fastball was a cause for concern about a partial tear of the ligament in his right elbow. 

This was the first game of a long season. The struggles of Tanaka, the Yankees failure to get the hits and drive in runs was so reminiscent of last season. That single for Rodriguez to right center in the fifth inning, his first since September 22 of 2013, drew a nice ovation from the 48,469 fans that sold out opening day in the Bronx and it was the second hit of the day off Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison.

“I think we live in a forgiving society overall,” commented Girardi when asked about the reaction Rodriguez received. “We live in a society that gives people second and third chances, fourth, fifth. I’ve seen it with some of the players when I was here early who had a lot of chances and came back.”  

Girardi inserted Rodriguez in the lineup as the designated hitter. The manager said he will give him an opportunity to play the field and perhaps then it will be known how effective Rodriguez will be. The Yankees need Rodriguez to be a cog in the lineup, and of course a good spring on the field and a new attitude helped to get the fans back in his corner. The controversy for now seems to be a thing of the past.

“I have to admit, it definitely felt good," said Rodriguez. "That's for sure. I have a lot of love for the city of New York, especially our fans. "But let's make it clear the fans don't owe me anything. I've said all along during spring training, the part of feeling like a rookie is I have to earn their cheers and their respect."

Yes his looks were good at the plate, and Rodriguez batted seventh in the order. But the Yankees had silent bats again and on Opening Day they hoped for different results. And newcomer Didi Gregorius took responsibility for an attempted steal of third with two men on and two outs in the eighth inning.  

The botched attempt to steal came at a wrong time, a bad decision that Girardi could not comprehend. That was a minor part of this first Yankees loss of the new season with 161 games left to play, and of course the old baseball expression is tomorrow is another day.

This day though, with Tanaka on the mound and Alex Rodriguez back on the field did not go the Yankees way.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #ARod #Tanaka #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium: 2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 6- It has been more than six months si...

2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 6- It has been more than six months since Yankees and Mets fans have seen their favorite team play a meaningful game. The desire to see the Yankees in person play and win, even without the presence of Derek Jeter for the first time in 20 years, drew many thousands to 161st Street in the Bronx hours before the scheduled 1:10 pm start.

Dr. Cary Goodman, the executive director of the 161st Street Business Improvement District (161 BID), as always, proactively planned for this joyous event in the community in which he works. The goal of the local organization he heads as its name implies is to encourage visitors to the neighborhood to spend an enjoyable time before, during and after the event at Yankee Stadium while patronizing the businesses in the area. To achieve this end, BID employees and volunteers distributed Yankees stickers and provided face painting to the younger fans.

While touring the community, visitors saw large murals of baseball legends including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera, Roberto Clemente and Satchel Paige. These very appropriate additions to the beautification of the neighborhood were painted on the gates of local businesses during the past year and sponsored by the 161 BID.

As 1 pm approached, the focus of most fans were on the activities within Yankee Stadium. The 10:30 am opening of gates to the public allowed many to watch batting practice.

Interest increased among the fans as the players of each team were introduced. The loudest reaction to any name was to Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended for the entire 2014 baseball season. The reaction was not negative nor was it when A‐Rod singled to lead off the fifth inning.

Shortly before 1 pm, West Point cadets unfurled a giant American flag on the field. As cheers were heard throughout the stands, the United States

Military Academy Band performed the National Anthem of the United States and Canada, as the opponents of the Yanks were the Toronto Blue Jays . Although similar ceremonies are performed at Yankee Stadium to start each season, they were still very moving.

A Yankee hero since 1996 and a New York City native, Joe Torre, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Torre was honored by the Yankees that same evening as he received the Pride of the Yankees Award at the annual Yankees Welcome Home Dinner.

After the ceremonies concluded, the 2015 baseball season at Yankee Stadium officially began with the first pitch, a strike, thrown by Yankees starting pitching Masahiro Tanaka to former Met Jose Reyes at 1:12 pm.

#Yankees #ARod #Tanaka #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Faith on Display

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Faith on Display: Faith on Display Photo by Gary Quintal The faithful came out to witness passion plays throughout the Bronx. Church groups donned costumes ...