Harlem Community Mourns Grandmother Fatally Shot While Protecting Grandson

Tragic Shooting in Harlem

• 💔 A 61-year-old grandmother, Exenia Mate, was fatally shot in Harlem after stepping outside her home to check on her grandson.
• 📍 The incident occurred on 113th Street and Lennox Avenue when three people were arguing and shots were exchanged.
• 🎯 A stray bullet struck Mate, while one of the men involved was shot in the foot.

Community Outpouring and Vigil

• 🕯️ The Harlem community gathered for a vigil to remember Mate, who was described as a staple in the community known for cooking and helping the youth.
• 🗣️ Family members sent a message to the other suspects being sought, emphasizing that Mate was protecting all the children she knew.

Suspect Information and Investigation

• 🚨 Police have charged 23-year-old Darius Smith with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
• ⚠️ It remains unclear if Smith is the individual who was shot, and police are actively searching for other gunmen involved.
• 👤 Mayor Adams visited the crime scene and noted that the individual in custody is a repeat offender, previously involved in a stabbing during a robbery.
• ❓ The investigation is ongoing, and it is currently unclear if the shooting was gang-related.