A New York City public school employee was killed and his friend seriously injured in a stabbing attack in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx, according to police.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. near Davidson and West Tremont avenues. Emergency responders transported both victims to St. Barnabas Hospital, where 32-year-old Rashaun Shettlewood was pronounced dead.
The second victim, a 33-year-old friend of Shettlewood, sustained serious injuries. He was later reported to be in stable condition.
Shettlewood worked as a paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education. Paraprofessionals support teachers and provide educational and behavioral assistance to students, including children with special needs.
Police arrested 37-year-old Jeffrey Jorge early the following morning in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. Authorities said officers recovered a knife when they took him into custody.
Jorge faces several charges, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigators are working to establish a motive and determine whether the suspect knew the victims before the attack. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what may have led to the confrontation.
The killing has caused concern among residents of Morris Heights and members of the city’s public school community. It has also renewed attention on public safety and violent crime in the surrounding area.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing potential witnesses and collecting evidence as the investigation continues. Anyone with relevant information is being encouraged to contact the New York Police Department.
Further details are expected to emerge as prosecutors proceed with the case and the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter.
