According to sources, police on Wednesday published pictures of a young man they believe is responsible for the execution-style murder of a father of four from the Bronx earlier this month that was captured on camera.
When the gunman was caught on camera moving up and shooting Ralph Herrera in the left side of the head at close range, he had the hood of his sweatshirt pulled over his face. He was dressed in black jeans, black sneakers, and a black T-shirt with multicolored lettering, according to authorities.
Authorities said Herrera, 33, resided a block away from the scene of his murder.
According to police, the gunman was recognized by his shirt and sneakers when he was later captured on camera in the same location without the hood covering his face.
Around 10:30 p.m. on August 7, Herrera, also known as Chicken, was ambushed by the murderer as he was outside Exotic World, the business where he worked, on Westchester Ave. close to Morrison Ave. in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx, under the MTA’s elevated No. 6 line.
After being sent to Johannesburg Hospital, he passed away.
The shooting’s motivation was not immediately revealed. Herrera has a lengthy criminal past, according to police sources, with 27 arrests, including one for illegally having a firearm.
As the victim’s friends comforted one another and shared tales about Herrera, dozens of votive lights were lighted and placed on the pavement outside Exotic World the day after his passing.
One friend was heard adding, “He’s a good man, good father.”
According to a different buddy, he looked after his community. He would buy him some ice cream if there was a child nearby.
According to friends, Herrera, who was born in Soundview and was a big fan of Eminem, rapped under the stage name Xhixken Dondada and made a music video called Stolies.
Herrera once went to California with the owner of the recording studio where he recorded, when they met Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle.
His pal said, “We met all these people because of his energy.”
At the crime scene, responding police discovered a single gunshot casing on the pavement.
The last sighting of the shooter was down Westchester Avenue. There have been no arrests.
It is recommended that anyone with information regarding the gunman’s location contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. Every call will be kept private.
