There was some news last night from the 7th Precinct’s Community Council meeting. Captain Peter Venice announced one arrest had been made in connection with the murder of 16-year old Raphael Ward on Columbia Street six days ago. This morning the Post is reporting the name of the suspect in custody. He is Timothy Montalvo, also 16-years old.
According to the Post, Montalvo is one of four teens seen on surveillance video shortly before the fatal shooting happened Friday night. He has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon and murder. At last night’s meeting, a detective working on the case talked briefly about the arrest, explained that investigators are following up on a lot of leads and said they’re confident more arrests will be happening soon. The tragedy, he added, “confirms that there are too many guns on the street.”
Earlier in the day yesterday, a large crowd gathered at the Provenzano Lanza Funeral Home on 2nd Avenue to pay their respects to Raphael. As EV Grieve reported, a fight broke out among some of the young people in attendance. EV Grieve and Event Photos NYC published several photos showing people fleeing the scene. A large contingent of cops showed up to restore order. A friend of The Lo-Down witnessed the confrontation, telling us that at one point a teen was being beaten with a large chain and a frying pan. Another source said at least one fight began inside the funeral home. Cops were forced to shut down traffic on 2nd Avenue to deal with the situation.
Last night, we checked in with Aida Salgado, who’s teenage son Keith was shot and killed at the Campos Plaza housing project on East 12th Street 15 months ago. As The Local reported this week, the trial of the accused gunman, Hockeem Smith, was delayed once again on Tuesday. Prosecutors have been trying to build their case but have been hampered because teens with knowledge of the shooting have refused to talk. Salgado said Raphael Ward’s killing has brought up a lot of terrible memories for her. It’s also reminded her how little has changed in the neighborhood in the past year. Following Keith’s murder, there were high profile news conferences announcing new youth programs and promises that security cameras would be installed at Campos Plaza. The youth program has since been discontinued. The security cameras are just now being installed.
Raphael Ward’s funeral will be held this morning at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Pitt Street.
