On Monday, January 16th, 2023, at around 7:43 P.M., Officers responded to Oakwood Avenue because of a drive-by shooting. Upon arrival Syracuse Police found an 11-year-old female victim shot in the midsection. The victim identified as Brexialee Tores-Ortiz, transported to Upstate Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A 19-year-old male, Isael Cruz, arrived at Upstate Hospital, with a gunshot wound to the leg stemming from the incident location.
In addressing the media, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh talked about how Brexialee Tores-Ortiz was returning home from the store to buy milk. A vehicle drove near the victims and opened fire. Heavy Police presence followed the shooting, the Mayor and Police Chief Joe Cecile were at the scene.
According to Syracuse Police they have surveillance video, however due to the sensitive nature of the investigation they would not elaborate.
Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said, “We’re obviously still canvassing, looking at active cameras in the area. We have fairly good camera footage coverage both with our own cops’ cameras and with some of the housing cameras. So, we’re working on that. But again, we need tips from the community, it’s a partnership, it’s not one-sided. We know there’s folks out there right now, that very likely know who the shooter was; we’d love to have that information. We don’t care if it’s anonymous or not. We just need that information so we can continue with this investigation and find closure for this family.” Chief Cecile went on the explain what the Syracuse Police are doing currently to combat gun violence, “We took 226 guns off the street in 2022”.
Syracuse Police were on the scene trying to save her life. According to Mayor Ben Walsh:
“That little girl did nothing wrong. She walks down the block to get milk for her family, she did nothing wrong and now we’ve lost her. We are all feeling the same emotions, grief first and foremost, but anger and frustration. I’ve heard from many community members; I’ve heard from faith leaders. People are upset and they are angry and they’re looking for something, some way to make it better here, and that’s what we are going to continue to do.
I want to thank our law enforcement partners. It speaks volumes about Governor Hochul and the troopers that they are here with us today, as well as Sheriff Shelley and the Sheriff’s Department. We are going to work hand in hand with them, not only on this investigation, but on addressing the root causes of gun violence going forward.
The most important thing that we can do now is hold those responsible accountable. And that is something that the Syracuse Police Department and our law enforcement professionals are exceptionally good at; and everyone that walks out of their door toting a gun, and is considering using that gun, should think about what I just said. We are exceptionally good at catching those people, they are perpetuating violence in our community and I’m confident in SPD and our law enforcement partners that they will be again in this case. As the Chief mentioned, it is not limited to law enforcement, we have many great community partners, we have any programs that are out there supporting people at risk of violence, involved in violence, and those that are unfortunately innocent victims of violence.
On the topic of innocent victims, I can’t help but to continue to think about Brexialee’s classmates that went to Blodgett today expecting to see their friend. Again, an exceptional young lady and they did not see her.
I have been in regular touch with Superintendent Davis I was spoke with him last night he was already mobilizing his staff his crisis response team to be on site.”
While the 19-year-old male victim is expected to survive, the community mourns a child killed, another victim of gun violence.
Brexialee Tores-Ortiz was president of her fifth-grade class at Syracuse STEM at Blodgett, in addition to being in the Honors Program.
Bishop H. Bernard Alex, Senior Pastor/Teacher at Victory Temple Fellowship Church, took to Facebook to lament the senseless act of violence. He delivered a message that spoke to the frustration and anger felt by a community, “a school will be missing a child tomorrow”. He also expressed his frustration about vigils, marches and what are we really doing as a community. “These people go home to someone who knows what they’re doing” an exasperated Bishop Alex proclaimed.
Community-Wide Prayer Service Planned for January 18th at 6 pm
Tucker Missionary Baptists Church located at 515 Oakwood Ave. close to the scene of the shootings, is inviting the Syracuse community to “Pray for Our Community”, hosting this event January 18th at 6:00 p.m. “A Call for Oneness” Join Pastor Draper, members, and friends of TMBC for prayer following the senseless killing on an 11-year-old girl in our community.
The investigation is active and ongoing; anyone with information is asked to call the Syracuse Police Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222.
