Gang Violence in Brooklyn: 68-Year-Old Woman Shot

A group of gang members, known as “Road 2 Riches,” allegedly shot an innocent 68-year-old woman and fired shots inside a bodega. According to prosecutors, they have even bragged about targeting rival gangs.

On Wednesday, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and the NYPD announced a sweeping 68-count indictment against nine members of the “Road 2 Rich” crew, all of whom are under 20 years old. The gang is believed to have been involved in ten different shootings over the years, including an incident where the 68-year-old woman was shot during a conflict involving rival gangs in East New York and Brownsville, as reported by District Attorney Eric Gonzalez during a press conference.

“This kind of indiscriminate gun violence terrifies people in Brooklyn,” mentioned a senior prosecutor, emphasizing the importance of the indictment. “Nobody should have to live in fear.”

In one incident in August 2023, 18-year-old King Downing allegedly fired shots into a bodega at two unarmed men he suspected were associated with another gang. Tragically, 24-year-old Abdulei Ba was struck in the head and later died.

After the shooting, members of the R2R crew took to social media to celebrate the event. One of their posts boasted, “Your buddy is dead; they shot us,” along with other messages glorifying the killing.

“Although someone committing such a crime usually doesn’t want to be identified, in this gang culture, they seem to flaunt their actions, seeking recognition for targeting rivals,” Gonzalez noted.

In a separate incident in October 2023, Deanthony Ortiz, also 18, allegedly shot at two men from a rival gang in Brownsville. Unfortunately, a 68-year-old woman was caught in the crossfire. Thankfully, she survived and was hospitalized for her injuries.

Earlier incidents included an event in March 2023, where a 14-year-old boy was injured during a gang shootout that involved hitting moving vehicles. Another shooting reportedly occurred in April 2025, injuring a member of a rival gang.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, R2R is currently at odds with multiple gangs, including the “Pistol Packing Pitkin” (PPP), as well as the “Woo” and “Chu” groups.

“They’ve been at war with everyone,” Gonzalez highlighted regarding R2R.

The nine individuals now face numerous charges such as conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon. Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern, pleading with city and state lawmakers to implement stricter laws to combat violent crime.

“These indictments represent not just their actions but also signal a deeper issue within our city,” Adams remarked. “Young people are not just victims; they’re also participants in this cycle of crime.”

Among those indicted are Downing, Ortiz, and several others, all ranging from 17 to 20 years old. They are being held in custody as legal proceedings continue.