The Bronx, New York – A suspect has been apprehended for the killing of a 29-year-old party promoter during a mugging at a Bronx deli. Shward Bee, 31, has been charged with murder, robbery, and weapons possession in the slaying of Stefon Barnes at the Tremont Gourmet Deli in East Tremont on March 31.
The arrest of Bee may provide some sense of closure for Barnes’ family, but the pain of the loss remains profound. According to Stefon’s father, Martin Barnes, the arrest does not change the tragic reality of the situation.
Stefon Barnes was fatally shot while ordering breakfast at the deli after hosting an Easter party. Surveillance video shows Barnes being shot in the leg by a gunman attempting to rob another customer, while bystanders appeared to be unaware of the unfolding chaos.
As the mugging escalated, another individual intervened in an attempt to help the robbery victim, leading to a struggle over the gun that resulted in Barnes being fatally wounded. Despite efforts to save him, Barnes ultimately succumbed to his injuries due to significant blood loss, as described by NYPD Chief of Detective Joseph Kenny.
Police efforts to locate Bee were successful, with tips from Crime Stoppers leading them to Mount Vernon, where Bee had a history of previous arrests for robbery. The capture of Bee brings a sense of justice to the tragic incident that claimed the life of Stefon Barnes.
The loss of a young life in such a senseless act of violence serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in everyday situations. The community mourns the loss of Stefon Barnes, a victim caught in the crossfire of a robbery gone wrong.
As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served for Stefon Barnes and his family, while the broader community remains vigilant against such acts of violence. The incident at the Bronx deli highlights the need for increased safety measures and vigilance in public spaces to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.