A Bronx resident was shot and killed early on January 1, marking what authorities believe to be New York City’s first homicide of 2026. Issa Mbolo-Isac, 55, was found with a gunshot wound to the head at approximately 7 a.m. at the intersection of Morris Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway, according to police.
Officers from the 46th Precinct responded to a 911 call and discovered Mbolo-Isac inside a blue Toyota SUV that bore ride-hailing service plates, suggesting he may have been a driver. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
As of now, law enforcement has not determined a motive for the shooting, and investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made, and the NYPD has not released a suspect description.
The tragedy adds a grim start to the new year in a city that saw significant reductions in violent crime during 2025. Just before the end of the year, police officials heralded record lows in homicides, amidst a broader trend of decreasing violence.
In 2025, the 46th Precinct, where the incident occurred, recorded seven homicides up until December 28, a substantial decrease from the 27 reported in the previous year. Additionally, shootings dropped by 54 percent, highlighting a notable improvement in public safety.
Community members and officials alike are shocked by this violent act, particularly given the prior improvements in crime rates. Residents had begun to feel a sense of relief as the city faced persistent challenges related to public safety.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at a designated hotline or through their confidential online platform.
The shooting not only raises concerns over individual safety but also calls attention to the larger issues of crime in urban areas. As investigations proceed, the community hopes for swift justice while grappling with the fear that such violence could lead to a troubling trend in the year ahead.