Man Indicted In Harlem Teen's Shooting Death: DA

HARLEM, NY — A 54-year-old man has been indicted on murder charges in the slaying of a 19-year-old in East Harlem, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Jose Rodriguez was indicted Wednesday on murder, attempted murder, burglary and weapons charges, according to Bragg.

Rodriguez was taken into custody by the police shortly after he fatally shot Ramon Alvarez inside an apartment at NYCHA’s Jefferson Houses, near East 112th Street and Third Avenue, following an argument with his ex-girlfriend, Alvarez's aunt.

"Jose Rodriguez allegedly fired shots towards his ex-girlfriend and her nephew, tragically taking Mr. Alvarez’s life—a young dad-to-be who was awaiting the birth of his child this month," Bragg said.

Prosecutors said that on April 10, Rodriguez, who was homeless at the time, went to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, where Alvarez was staying, at around 3 a.m.

Once inside, Rodriguez and his ex-girlfriend got into an argument and she eventually demanded that he leave the building, officials said.

At one point, Alvarez came out after hearing the commotion and attempted to intervene, causing Rodriguez to pull out a gun and shoot him in the stomach, prosecutors said. Rodriguez then aimed and fired a shot towards his ex-girlfriend, grazing her shoulder, before fleeing the scene.

Medics found Alvarez with a single gunshot wound to the stomach, police said.

Alvarez was rushed to Harlem Hospital for emergency surgery but was later pronounced dead, according to officials.

Rodriguez was cuffed the next day by police in the Bronx, according to prosecutors.

“My sincerest condolences go out to the victim and the rest of Mr. Alvarez’s family and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time. Our dedicated prosecutors are working hard to pursue full accountability in this case,” Bragg said.