Tragic Bronx Murder-Suicide Shock Community
A tragic quadruple murder-suicide in the Bronx has stunned the community, revealing a heartbreaking turn in the life of Kaseem Stokes, a 44-year-old man who once seemed like an average local kid. He enjoyed sports and had various jobs in construction, but something went horribly wrong.
Stokes grew up in Unionport, attending PS 36 and PS 125, alongside close friends who were just trying to make ends meet. “It’s shocking to think of him this way,” remarked childhood friend Felix Angomas. “I can’t wrap my head around what led him to this.”
Friends and neighbors were taken aback, especially in light of a recent mass shooting. They never expected Stokes—who was known as a fun-loving, engaging person—to be involved in such a gruesome act. “I’m still numb,” Angomas expressed on Thursday. “I don’t know how this could happen.” He continued, reminiscing about their school days, “We played football and basketball together. He was just… one of us.”
On Wednesday morning, Stokes allegedly shot and killed his mother, Teresa, aged 75, along with her 26-year-old daughter, Kiana, and Kiana’s boyfriend, Andrew Reynoso, 33, inside their apartment at Castle Hill House. Afterward, he turned the gun on himself, according to police reports.
The police haven’t disclosed what might have triggered this violent outburst. The community is mourning, particularly for Teresa Stukes, a cherished resident celebrated for her kindness, often referred to as one of the “Golden Girls.”
A family friend, known only as Izzy, recounted how he provided Stokes with his first job after prison. “He always kept working and we would celebrate payday together,” Izzy shared. On the night before the incident, another friend saw Stokes and has been grappling with guilt since. “He feels like he could have done something, like just taking him for a walk,” Izzy said, although he reassured him, “You didn’t know.”
Earlier this year, Stokes was arrested and faced charges for reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a weapon but had not been charged with any crime related to that incident. Court records indicate he was due back in court on the very day of the shooting.
The NYPD has confirmed the identities of the victims, but Stokes has yet to be officially named as the shooter, despite indications from law enforcement suggesting he is believed to be responsible.
Reflecting on their youthful days, Angomas recalled, “We spent a lot of time here. We would go to his mom’s place, and she would feed us.” He added, “We all wanted to escape our circumstances, but ultimately, we each have to make our own choices in life.”
