Woman fatally shot in eye near Bronx playground and school

Thursday, May 28, 2026
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Bronx (WABC) -- A 23-year-old woman was shot in the eye and killed near a Bronx park and officials believe she was an innocent bystander.

Reyna Caceres was shot in the left eye along Aqueduct Avenue in University Heights around 12:10 a.m. Thursday.

She was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police searched for evidence in the nearby Aqueduct Lands Playground, where signs of a party were found, including scattered cups and alcohol.



Police say someone wearing all black opened fire on the crowd of people having a celebration in memory of a friend.



Authorities believe Caceres' relative may have been the intended target. That relative, according to investigators, is a person of interest in three prior shootings.

The victim's loved ones want justice and hope to keep her memory alive.

"Was a good person, good hearted, big hearted. All smiles, always willing to help someone," a loved one said.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.



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