Violence Follows Fireworks, One Dead, One Wounded In Shooting

YONKERS, NY — Independence Day celebrations turned deadly with an overnight fatal shooting in a city park just hours after the triumphant return of the annual fireworks display to the Yonkers waterfront.

Reports of gunfire brought Yonkers police to Grant Park and Playground just after midnight on July 5. Officers found two gunshot victims when they arrived.

Both of the wounded were rushed to the hospital, but one of the victims was pronounced dead a short time later. The shooting victim has not yet been identified until family members are notified.

Investigators have not reported any arrested in connection with the case and no suspects have yet been publicly identified. The park remained closed Monday morning as detectives from the Major Case Squad, the Crime Scene Unit, and Digital Forensics Unit are at the scene.

Surrounding areas, including parts of Grant Park Drive, St. Joseph's Avenue and Orchard Street remained closed to foot and car traffic throughout the morning.

Areas near the downtown Yonkers waterfront were packed with families staking out favorite spots to watch the return of fireworks over the Hudson River just a few hours earlier. Fortunately, the crowds had mostly dissipated prior to the overnight fatal shooting.