Mid-afternoon on June 5th, around 1:43 p.m. Syracuse Police Officers responded to the area of 128 Steuben St. regarding a five round Shot Spotter activation, as well as multiple 911 callers reporting that somebody was shot. Officers arrived and located the victim, 36-year old Gregory Ramos-Falcon, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving medical treatment was provided to Ramos-Falcon. He was transported to Upstate Hospital, where medical staff continued to provide life-saving medical aid. Despite their best efforts, Ramos-Falcon succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation was started by CID Homicide Unit detectives where numerous people were interviewed, and an extensive neighborhood and citywide canvass was conducted. In addition, several search warrants were executed, evidence recovered was processed and thoroughly analyzed.
As a result of the above efforts, a suspect was identified as 44-year-old Rafael Cruz-Vazquez. An Arrest Warrant was issued for Cruz-Vazquez on June 13, 2024.
Cruz-Vazquez was taken into custody in Puerto Rico by Puerto Rican authorities on June 17, 2024.
Cruz-Vazquez was extradited from Puerto Rico on July 11, back to New York by Members of the Syracuse Police Department Warrant Squad. He was lodged at the Onondaga County Justice Center, where he is being held pending his arraignment.
As a result of this investigation, Rafael Cruz-Vazquez was charged with the following crimes:
Penal Law 125.25, Murder 2nd
Penal Law 265.03, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222.
