The Bronx community is mourning the tragic deaths of Egbert “Dread” Rutherford, 53, and Curtis Brown, 43, who were fatally shot while playing dominoes in the Soundview neighborhood. The deadly shooting has left family members, friends, and residents searching for answers as the New York Police Department continues its investigation into the violent attack.
According to the NYPD, the shooting occurred shortly after 10 p.m. outside a plaza along Westchester Avenue in Soundview. Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered Rutherford and Brown suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both men were transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead despite emergency lifesaving efforts. Police believe multiple suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and no arrests have been announced. (CBS News)
Investigators say the two men were playing dominoes with others when an argument reportedly escalated into gunfire. Witnesses told police that a confrontation involving a group of men preceded the shooting, though detectives continue to work to determine the exact sequence of events and identify everyone involved. (CBS News)
Egbert Rutherford, affectionately known as “Dread,” was remembered by his wife, Angelique Irving-Rutherford, as a hardworking and devoted family man. Originally from Jamaica, Rutherford worked as a home health aide and was known throughout his community for his generosity and willingness to help others. Loved ones described him as someone who worked tirelessly, cared deeply for his family, and often shared food and kindness with people in the neighborhood. (CBS News)
Curtis Brown, also originally from Jamaica, was remembered as a close friend of Rutherford and a familiar face in the Soundview community. Friends said the two frequently gathered with neighbors to enjoy domino games, making the tragic violence even more shocking for those who knew them. (CBS News)
The NYPD continues to search for the suspects believed to be responsible for the double homicide. Detectives spent hours collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying those involved. Authorities have asked anyone with information or video from the area at the time of the shooting to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline. (CBS News)
As family members, friends, and neighbors mourn the heartbreaking loss of Egbert “Dread” Rutherford and Curtis Brown, they are remembering two men whose lives were defined not by violence, but by friendship, hard work, and the relationships they built within their community. Their memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them while investigators work to bring those responsible to justice.