Family Seeks Justice for Murdered Brooklyn Teen

Relatives of a “perfect child” gunned down in Brooklyn two years ago in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity are hoping for justice soon. They feel that the merciless killer who “destroyed a family” needs to be held accountable.

Christian Josiah Montrose, 19, described by police as a “good kid” trying to navigate life in a gang-stricken area, had just parked his car outside his parents’ home on East 104th Street near Avenue K in Canarsie around 2:45 a.m. on March 19, 2024.

Authorities believe a shooter in a black Acura fired at the “car enthusiast,” hitting him in the mouth, torso, and arm.

Montrose, who was gravely injured, only stepped out to pick up a friend, but he staggered back home, choking on his blood as he attempted to communicate with his brother, according to family and law enforcement.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, it was tragically too late.

Now, two years later, no arrests have been made, leading his family to continue their search for answers.

In a phone call with The Post, Amanda Montrose, the victim’s mother, expressed her frustration: “I don’t know what to make of it because there’s no justice. No one is held accountable for my son, my perfect child.”

She mentioned that when his likely teen killer is eventually apprehended, she hopes he stays in prison. However, she fears the “revolving door” of the justice system will allow young offenders to return to society, continuing to “destroy families.”

“I hope they rot in a prison with no visitors, no parole, and pure life sentences. I want to spit in their faces too,” she added. “You took the perfect child.”

Amanda firmly believes that Christian’s killer will someday be caught. “If you can pick up a gun and take someone’s life, I want the law to ensure a life sentence,” she said. “Age shouldn’t matter.”

Christian’s sister, Joanna Montrose, shared her disappointment: “It’s really disappointing. I thought by now at least someone would have been arrested.” She urged the killer to admit the wrongdoing, noting the impact on both families involved.

Amanda described Christian as one of her seven kids, calling him her “perfect love.” She reflected on how his loss affected the community. “They took a perfect child out of a community that loved him dearly,” she said.

Recalling that tragic morning, Amanda said she ran outside after hearing screams. “I had no idea I was hearing screams until my daughter said she was feeling hallucinations,” she recalled. Those screams took her back to happier memories, when Christian had prepared a family meal of salmon the night before.

“It was the same salmon dish he cooked just the day before. His spirit was with us then,” Amanda said, emphasizing the warmth of their family moments amid their grief.

Days following Christian’s murder, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney described the incident, revealing that the gunman ambushed him upon getting out of his car. He emphasized that Christian had been a model youth, free from gang involvement or criminal behavior.

Joanna added that her brother was known for his humor and ability to bring joy to others. She mentioned that on May 9, the street where they lived would be renamed in his honor, though she thought he would prefer to avoid the attention that would come with it.

“Christian was humble in that way,” she said, reflecting on his character and their shared memories.