Woman, 59, arrested for murdering young Bronx man with 3 gunshots to head

A tragic incident unfolded in the Bronx as a 59-year-old woman was taken into custody, accused of fatally shooting a young man. Authorities revealed that the victim, 24-year-old Randy Blanche, was shot three times in the head, leading to the arrest of Denise Aponte.

On Monday, Aponte faced charges of murder, manslaughter, and illegal gun possession, following the Sunday evening incident. Initially, investigators suspected a domestic connection between Aponte and Blanche. However, a spokesperson for the NYPD clarified on Tuesday that the suspect and victim were strangers.

The shooting occurred just before 8 p.m. outside the Sedgwick Houses, a public housing complex in Morris Heights. This location is notably close to Aponte’s residence, adding a chilling proximity to the crime.

A 24-year-old man was fatally shot at the corner of W. 174th St. and Popham Ave. in the Bronx on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News)
A 24-year-old man was fatally shot at the corner of W. 174th St. and Popham Ave. in the Bronx on Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News)

Emergency medical services swiftly transported Blanche from the scene at West 174th Street and Popham Avenue to the BronxCare Health System. Despite their efforts, Blanche could not be revived, dying tragically just a mile and a half from his home.

Blanche was rushed by medics from the scene at W. 174th St. and Popham Ave. in Morris Heights to BronxCare Health System but he could not be saved. He was about a mile-and-a-half from home when he was killed, according to cops.

 

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