Tragic Shooting Incident in Queens
A woman tragically shot last month by her estranged, homeless husband in Queens was reportedly attempting to shield her daughter from a hail of bullets when she was fatally wounded, prosecutors revealed on Thursday.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s office, 62-year-old Audwin Keynes approached 45-year-old Chanee Le Ramsay with her 21-year-old daughter, initiating the gunfire.
Documents from the court indicate that the mother and daughter sought refuge behind a car parked at their home on 127th Avenue, close to 176th Avenue. However, as Keynes came nearer, Ramsay chose to stand up and rush towards him in an effort to protect her daughter.
It’s alleged that Keynes shot her in that moment, resulting in her death, leading to charges from the DA’s office.
First responders found Ramsay unconscious on the ground, with visible injuries to her head, officers reported. Meanwhile, Keynes fled the scene, prompting the victim’s daughter to call the police.
Ramsay was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she was declared dead.
Notably, just hours before the shooting, Ramsay discovered that the passenger window of her Jeep Grand Cherokee had been shattered and bricks were found inside the vehicle, according to the complaint.
Prior to the murder, there were several threatening messages sent to Ramsay’s WhatsApp account from Keynes, including images of the damaged windows and indications of more violence. One menacing text reportedly read, “I’m going to keep raising your s-t,” and another hinted at further aggression.
Keynes is also accused of assaulting Ramsay previously, striking her head with a full alcohol bottle, and inflicting stab wounds with a broken piece of glass.
Prosecutors noted that the couple had been arguing when Ramsay asked Keynes to leave, which reportedly escalated into violence.
Keynes was arrested later that night on charges linked to the murder, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and other serious offenses.
During a court appearance, he was denied bail by Queens Crown Court Judge Sharifa Nassar Kheller, with his next court date set for Friday.
If convicted, Keynes faces up to 25 years to life in prison. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “This was a senseless act of violence that has shaken the community. We will seek justice for Chanil Ramsay’s family.”
