Community mourns 78-year-old ‘icon’ fatally shot outside Mott Haven home
Authorities identified the victim as Edgar Spence. He was found with a gunshot wound to the torso just steps from his home on Alexander Avenue.
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A 78-year-old man is dead after police say he was shot outside his home in Mott Haven.
Authorities say Edgar Spence was sitting outside his home at the Mitchel Houses around 10:30 p.m. Thursday when gunfire broke out. He was shot in the stomach and later died at Lincoln Hospital. Police say he was not the intended target.
Neighbors describe Spence as a beloved member of the community, known by the nickname “Natural.” A candle memorial now marks the spot where he was killed.
The candles are shaped like the letter ‘N’ for his nickname.
“He’s the grandfather on the block,” said one person. “To know him is to love him,” said another.
Community members tell News 12 senior citizens love to sit outside and play cards, which is what they were doing before the shooting. They say now they’ll be more hesitant when going out after dark.
One resident has the following message for the killer.
“You’re shooting innocent people out here who have families,” said Harriet Heyward, a Mitchel Houses resident. “Now, when you get caught for what you did, now your family members are going to lose you, just like we lost our family member and our friend.”
Police have not made any arrests.
