Harlem Community Mourns Grandmother Killed by Stray Bullet, Police Seek Suspects

Community Outrage Over Senseless Violence

• 💔 A 61-year-old grandmother, Axania Midor, was killed by a stray bullet in Harlem, described as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
• 🗣️ Residents expressed outrage and grief, chanting "Enough is enough" at a vigil, demanding an end to the violence plaguing the neighborhood.

A Beloved Community Figure

• 🌟 Axania Midor was a beloved fixture in Harlem, recognized as a business pioneer for opening the first woman and first Black-owned bodega in New York City nearly four decades ago.
• 💖 She was known for her dedication to the community, often showing up and fighting for others.

Circumstances of the Shooting

• 👂 Midor heard arguing while cleaning at a deli on Lennox Avenue and 113th Street around 10:30 PM on Tuesday.
• 🏃‍♀️ Believing her grandson was outside, she went to check on his safety, unaware he was upstairs in her home.
• 💥 As she stepped outside, bullets began to fly, and she was tragically struck and killed.

Investigation and Suspects

• 🔍 Investigators found eight casings and a gun several blocks away.
• ⚖️ Darius Smith, 23, has been charged with illegal gun possession; he has a prior arrest for stabbing two people during a robbery.
• 🚨 Police are still searching for additional suspects involved in the shooting and are asking for public assistance.

Legacy of a Protector

• 🚒 Midor's sister described her as someone who would "run in a fire to get whoever," emphasizing her protective nature towards all the children in the neighborhood.
• ✨ She will be remembered for pouring her heart into the community and earning a high level of respect from its residents.