Bronx, NY – Two Bronx men have been indicted in the deadly shooting of a 26-year-old autistic man during a robbery in Starlight Park, an attack that prosecutors say came just minutes after another armed robbery nearby.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the indictments of Axel Martinez, 20, and Luis Castillo, 19, on multiple counts including second-degree murder, robbery, and weapons possession.
The shooting occurred shortly after midnight on September 4, when the victim, identified as Ronell Marte, was walking home from work.
Key Points
- Axel Martinez and Luis Castillo indicted for murder and armed robbery in the Bronx
- Victim, 26-year-old Ronell Marte, fatally shot during robbery in Starlight Park
- Defendants accused of separate gunpoint robbery minutes before killing
Prosecutors detail violent crime spree
According to investigators, Martinez and Castillo first robbed a man at gunpoint near Beach Avenue and the Cross-Bronx Expressway, taking his cell phone and wallet. About 15 minutes later, they encountered Marte inside Starlight Park and allegedly shot him while stealing his phone. A passing bicyclist discovered the victim and called 911.
Victim pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital
Emergency responders transported Marte to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Prosecutors said Marte was walking home from work when he was confronted by the defendants.
Indictment and court proceedings
Both defendants face two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree manslaughter, multiple counts of robbery, and weapons offenses. Martinez was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas, while Castillo was arraigned earlier before Justice Lawrence Busching. Both remain in custody and are due back in court on January 29.
DA commends investigators and support staff
District Attorney Clark credited the Bronx Homicide Bureau, NYPD detectives, and victim advocates for their work on the case. She stated the office “will do everything in our power to bring justice to his family.” The DA’s office emphasized that the indictment is an accusation and that both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.