Dispute Over Loud Music Ends Tragically in the Bronx

A 76-year-old man, Gilbert Smalls, reported to the authorities on Thursday night about loud music coming from the apartment of his neighbor, 21-year-old Justin Chatfield. This incident occurred in the River Park Towers area of Morris Heights in the Bronx, as indicated by a law enforcement source.

Smalls stated that Chatfield reacted to his complaint with a dismissive “fuck you.” The two apparently exchanged their grievances through a wall that separated their units.

Shortly after the argument, Smalls claimed he heard seven gunshots outside his window, although law enforcement has yet to verify whether any shots were actually fired.

Living with his wife and reportedly in declining health, Smalls had acquired a 9mm handgun that he stored in a safe. After the dispute, he ventured into the hallway, where their doorways were merely inches apart.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Smalls firing at Chatfield when he appeared at his own doorway. According to Walter Fields, a lawyer and friend of Chatfield’s family, after being shot, Chatfield staggered back into his apartment while trying to dial his mother for assistance.

Fields expressed the severity of the situation, sharing that Chatfield was about to become a father and was committed to turning his life around by pursuing job opportunities and trade school.

Chatfield was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital but unfortunately did not survive.

When the police knocked on Smalls’ door, he reportedly admitted to the shooting. He led officers to his apartment and provided the key to the safe holding the weapon. Smalls explained that he believed Chatfield might have been armed.

During discussions with authorities, Smalls mentioned experiencing health issues while in custody and indicated he had no intentions of surviving. He faced charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm in Bronx Criminal Court and was ordered held without bail. His attorney has not offered any comments regarding the case.

Interestingly, it seems there had been previous tensions between Smalls and Chatfield, but officers had never been called to their residences before this incident. Chatfield had also faced multiple arrests before his tragic death.

A memorial was spontaneously organized outside Chatfield’s building following the news of his death, highlighting the impact his passing has had on the community, especially given that he and his girlfriend were expecting a child.