New york city medical examiner on scene.
New York City Medical Examiner on scene.

Queens man indicted for killing estranged wife, shooting at stepdaughter in street ambush

by
August 12, 2025

QUEENS, NY — A 62-year-old Queens man has been indicted for the broad-daylight shooting of his estranged wife and the attempted murder of her daughter in St. Albans, as well as for an earlier stabbing of the same woman with a broken bottle nearly one year prior.

Audwin Caines was arraigned Monday on an eight-count indictment charging him with murder, two counts of attempted murder, multiple weapons offenses, and assault. The charges stem from two violent incidents targeting 45-year-old Chaniel Ramsey, culminating in her fatal shooting on June 23 on a residential street.

According to the charges, just hours before the shooting, Ramsey received a text message containing a photo of her Jeep Grand Cherokee’s shattered passenger window, allegedly sent by Caines, along with several threats. A brick was found inside the vehicle parked on Irwin Place.

Later that afternoon around 2:30 p.m., Caines allegedly confronted Ramsey and her 21-year-old daughter on 176th Street. The two women fled, but Caines reportedly opened fire. They attempted to hide behind a parked car on 127th Street, but as Caines closed in, Ramsey stepped out and ran to draw his attention away from her daughter. Caines allegedly shot her multiple times at close range, striking her in the head and torso. Ramsey died at the scene.

Caines also faces attempted murder charges stemming from a separate incident on July 1, 2024. During an argument at their shared residence, Caines allegedly struck Ramsey with a bottle, knocked her to the floor, and stabbed her in the chest and elbow with the broken glass. That attack did not result in fatal injuries but now forms part of the broader indictment.

Caines, who is currently undomiciled, remains held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 3. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 75 years to life in prison.

——
Key Points

  • Audwin Caines indicted for murder of his estranged wife and attempted murder of her daughter in a June shooting
  • Victim was previously stabbed by Caines in a July 2024 domestic assault involving a broken glass bottle
  • Caines faces up to 75 years to life in prison if convicted on all charges
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.