It was reported to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at approximately 0351 hours, the victim, a 32-year-old male, had a verbal dispute with an unidentified individual in front of 435 E. 153rd Street, Bronx, NY 10454, within the confines of the 40th Precinct in the Bronx.
The dispute escalated and the individual proceeded to stab the victim in the neck, arm and chest. The individual fled eastbound on 153rd Street on foot.
The victim was transported by EMS to New York City Health + Hospitals / Lincoln, where he was pronounced deceased.
The individual is described as an adult male with a light skin complexion, approximately 25 years of age. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve shirt with lettering on the sleeve and back.
Following proper family notification, the deceased has been identified as indicated.
Victim:
Baraquiel Castelan
address withheld
Bronx, NY 10455
Pursuant to an ongoing investigation, the following 26-year-old male individual was arrested and charged on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 1219 hours, within the confines of the 40th Precinct.
Arrested:
Diego Ortega
address withheld
Bronx, NY 10451
Charges:
- murder;
- manslaughter;
- criminal possession of a weapon.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call the NYPD‘s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1–800–577–TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1–888–57–PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers‘ website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All tips will be kept strictly confidential.
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