19-Year-Old Charged In Fatal Shooting Of Iona College Student

Police arrested Stivenson Desir, 19, on Monday and charged him with second-degree murder for allegedly killing Iona student Brandon Lawrence, a Yonkers resident who was found with a fatal gunshot wound shortly before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

According to police, at approximately 3:24 a.m., the department received multiple calls of gunshots in the area of Lincoln Park. Upon arrival, first responders found a male victim inside the park, bleeding. Officers immediately began first aid, an ambulance was dispatched, but Lawrence was ultimately pronounced dead on the scene.

The New Rochelle Police Department’s General Investigations Unit and Forensic Unit are currently investigating the incident as a homicide. A motive for the murder has not yet been released.

On Twitter, City Councilman Jared Rice called the incident “deeply disturbing,” and that “every community should be a safe one,” adding that “we will continue to focus on proactive solutions to make that a reality throughout New Rochelle.”

In a statement, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said that it is important that the city proceed with plans for Lincoln Park, which includes improvements at the community garden and installation of a new play area.

"Yes, murders are very rare in New Rochelle, usually occurring only about once a year. Yes, this was a conflict between individuals who knew each other, not a random street crime. And, yes, this occurred in the middle of the night, when Lincoln Park was closed, and families and children were, presumably, fast asleep in their homes," he noted.

"All of that is true and may provide a measure of reassurance. But it’s also somewhat beside the point, because an incident of this gravity cannot help but shake our feelings of safety and security, especially for those who live closest to the scene of the crime. So this is an important moment to reaffirm our commitment to the present and future of the Lincoln Avenue corridor."

Keep following Daily Voice for more information on Sunday’s murder as it becomes available.

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