Bronx Man Charged with Neighbors’ Shooting Death

A 76-year-old man from the Bronx is facing charges for the shooting death of his 21-year-old neighbor, a situation stemming from a prolonged feud, according to police and other sources.

Gilbert Smalls was taken into custody on Friday after allegedly shooting Justin Chatfield, a young man who had just reached the legal drinking age, in his apartment in Morris Heights.

Authorities reported that Smalls apparently confessed to the crime when he approached officers who were looking for surveillance footage following the incident, which took place late Thursday night.

Police received a 911 call around 10:20 p.m. and found Chatfield with a gunshot wound to his torso at 30 Richman Plaza.

In a tragic turn of events, Chatfield managed to return to his apartment after being shot and collapsed before his mother, Melinda. She recalled, “He groaned, ‘Mommy, I’ve been shot! Mommy, I’ve been shot!'” before falling to the floor.

Reports indicated that Chatfield and Smalls had been in conflict for the past five years, living in neighboring apartments. Melinda recounted a previous frightening encounter during which individuals associated with Smalls held a gun to her son’s head. “Justin didn’t want to press charges because it was just between us and didn’t involve me,” she explained.

The confrontation reportedly escalated on Thursday night when Chatfield went to investigate noise in the hallway and was suddenly shot.

Medical personnel transported Chatfield to St. Barnabas Hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries there.

Both men had a history of legal troubles. Smalls had at least two prior convictions, with his most recent arrest occurring over 25 years ago, while Chatfield had multiple recent offenses and was being sought for a robbery at the time of his death.

Chatfield’s grandfather, Alan Barnwell, shared his grief, stating, “He was a good kid, and everything was fine.” His sentiments echo a sense of disbelief at the violence that transpired.