A tragic incident in the Bronx resulted in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old plumber’s apprentice Daoud Marji, who was visiting from Detroit as an innocent bystander. His father, who resides in Yonkers, expressed his grief and shock at the senseless loss of his son. Despite warning Daoud about the dangers of the Bronx, he was unable to prevent the tragedy from occurring. Daoud was killed on University Avenue near West Kingsbridge Road, confirming that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The father recounted receiving a devastating call informing him of his son’s shooting, leaving the family in turmoil.
Earlier the same week, Harlem bodega owner Excenia Mette, 61, was also fatally shot in the head when she went outside to check on her grandson. This incident sparked grief within the Harlem community, where gun violence is unfortunately not uncommon. The tragic events unfolded just a day apart, with both victims being innocent bystanders caught in random acts of gun violence. Another woman in the Bronx was also injured during the shooting that took Marji’s life, adding to the chaos and senselessness of the situation. Law enforcement sources indicated that the shooting occurred when the assailant or assailants opened fire into a crowded area without any specific targets in mind.
Originally from Jordan, Marji had moved to the US as a child and was working as a plumber’s apprentice at the time of his untimely death. Those who knew him, such as family friend Ray Khoury, described him as a kind and hardworking individual who always sought to help his community. Khoury highlighted the Marji family’s dedication to community service, with Daoud following in their footsteps. Daoud’s vibrant personality and polite nature earned him the respect and affection of those around him, making his loss even more painful for the community. The shock and devastation of his death were felt deeply by those who knew and loved him.
The tragic circumstances of Marji’s death highlighted a concerning trend in New York City, with two innocent bystanders being killed in random acts of gun violence within days of each other. The aftermath of these incidents left families shattered and communities grieving as they struggled to come to terms with the senseless loss of their loved ones. The details of the shootings painted a grim picture of the violence that can erupt unexpectedly on city streets, putting the lives of innocent individuals at risk. Law enforcement faced the daunting task of investigating the shootings and bringing the perpetrators to justice, while the community grappled with the emotional toll of the tragedies.
The deep impact of Daoud Marji’s death was evident in the reactions of those who knew him and the community at large, who mourned the loss of a promising young man with a bright future ahead of him. His father’s anguish and shock underscored the pain that reverberated through their family and beyond, leaving a void that could never be filled. The sense of injustice and helplessness in the face of such senseless violence weighed heavily on those affected, raising questions about safety and security in urban environments. The memories of Daoud Marji and Excenia Mette served as a reminder of the human toll of gun violence, urging communities to come together in support and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
