Source: Photo courtesy of Facebook; NYPD / Nathaly Ramirez.
Community members in the Bronx are grappling with the tragic death of 23-year-old Nathaly Ramirez, who was allegedly pushed from her 15th-story balcony while holding her 8-month-old daughter, according to reports from People and ABC7NY. Authorities have since arrested Angel Carrasco in connection with the killing.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Oct. 6, near Olinville Avenue in the Allerton section of the Bronx. Residents say they heard yelling and screaming before Ramirez let out a tragic plea for help.
RELATED CONTENT: Coral Springs ‘In Shock’ After Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Found Dead, Husband Charged
Nathaly Ramirez let out a chilling cry for help before the fall with her 8-month-old daughter, according to one resident.
According to one witness who spoke with ABC7NY on Tuesday, before the fall, the young mother shouted:
“Please don’t do this. My baby…my baby is scared. Look at her face. Next thing you know, I hear her scream, and I see something hit the ground.”
Police said the 23-year-old mother fell to the pavement while holding her 8-month-old daughter, seemingly cushioning the infant’s fall and giving her a chance to survive. Her daughter remains in critical condition.
Police said surveillance footage allegedly showed Carrasco, 31, leaving the building after the killing, according to ABC7NY. The New York Police Department confirmed to People that Carrasco was arrested in the Bronx on Wednesday.
An NYPD spokesperson told People that Carrasco was apprehended after police received a live tip about his whereabouts. He was reportedly with an acquaintance at the time of his arrest. Authorities have not established whether the individual had any involvement in the incident, and the matter remains under investigation.
Since news of the incident broke, community members have been expressing their shock and grief.
“It’s a family. It’s a baby involved. You know, it’s senseless,” a resident named Tasha told ABC7NY.
One of Ramirez’s friends said she had been overjoyed about becoming a mother and that her daughter meant everything to her.
“She was very happy. “She was very happy to be a mom and the baby was very happy.”
Lishawn Alexander also remembered her as a devoted and hardworking person, describing her as “a gem to work with.”
She added, “She was a very radiant person. She was very hardworking, showed tenacity and dedication to pursue her career goals.”
Source: Photo courtesy of ABC7NY. Nathaly Ramirez (L) Angel Carrasco (R).
Investigators reportedly discovered flowers inside Ramirez’s residence and believe Carrasco may have brought them in an attempt to reconcile with her. The discovery comes amid reports of a turbulent relationship and previous allegations of domestic violence.
According to investigators, Carrasco had previously faced charges in January over allegations that he assaulted Ramirez and broke into her home, People reported. One resident also recalled hearing someone “kicking the door down trying to get into the apartment” in January.
Ramirez’s infant daughter was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The NYPD told People that the child was stable as of Thursday.
Angel Carrasco has been charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and assault. Video footage obtained by ABC7NY on Oct. 8 captured Carrasco smiling as he walked out of the 49th Precinct in handcuffs in New York. He was scheduled to appear before criminal court on Thursday, but inside he experienced an “episode” that led police to divert and head to the hospital for a medical evaluation, ABC7NY noted.
Sources said he was acting like “an emotionally disturbed person.” Eventually, he will be arraigned.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Nathaly Ramirez during this difficult time.
RELATED CONTENT: Coral Springs ‘In Shock’ After Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Found Dead, Husband Charged