A suspect has been apprehended and charged in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred inside a Bronx bodega on Easter Sunday. Schward Bee, a 31-year-old resident of Mount Vernon, was arrested early Wednesday morning and now faces charges of murder, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. The incident, which claimed the life of 29-year-old party promoter Stefon Barnes, unfolded at Gourmet Deli on East Tremont Avenue.
According to authorities, the bodega was bustling with over a dozen people, including revelers captured on video dancing and singing. Bee’s intended target was not Barnes, who had just left a nearby party he had hosted. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that Bee attempted to rob one of the patrons, leading to a struggle over the firearm. In an effort to help his friend, Barnes’s acquaintance intervened and placed Bee in a chokehold. During the struggle, the gun discharged, tragically striking Barnes in the left leg near his groin. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Barnes succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.
Schward Bee has a history of criminal activity, with four prior arrests in the Bronx. Records indicate that he was convicted of attempted robbery and served time in state prison until his release on parole in 2017. His parole expired in 2020. Additionally, Bee has a previous arrest for menacing in Mount Vernon.
Stefon Barnes, originally from Greenville, North Carolina, had relocated to New York City as a teenager to live with his father in Harlem. He held various jobs, including store clerk, truck driver, and UPS delivery driver. Tragically, Barnes’s untimely death occurred just one week after the passing of his great-aunt.
The grieving family members of Stefon Barnes expressed their anguish over the senseless violence that has become all too common in New York City. His uncle, Anthony Barnes, lamented the increasing number of innocent bystanders falling victim to random acts of violence. Teresa Barnes, Stefon’s aunt, echoed these sentiments, stating that New York City is no longer a safe place for people of any age.
1 Response
The post states that a suspect has been arrested and charged in relation to a shooting that took place in a Bronx bodega on Easter Sunday.
My insight is that it is a relief to see that progress has been made in the investigation and that the authorities have been able to apprehend a suspect. It is important for justice to be served in cases like these to bring closure to the victim’s family and ensure the safety of the community. I hope that the legal process will be carried out thoroughly and