Bronx community holds vigil for young mother pushed off balcony last week – Spectrum News NY1

Bronx Community Mourns 23-Year-Old Nathaly Ramirez After Fatal 15th-Floor Balcony Fall

Nathaly Ramirez, a 23-year-old Bronx mother known to her loved ones as Michelle, died after police say her ex-boyfriend pushed her and their 8-month-old infant off a 15th-floor apartment balcony in the Allerton section of the Bronx. Ramirez was cradling her daughter, Novalee, as she fell, according to official reports detailed by CBS News. While the infant survived the fall, she remains hospitalized and continues to fight for her life. Investigators arrested 31-year-old Angel Carrasco late Wednesday night in connection with the tragedy, and he now faces several charges, including murder and attempted murder, according to NY1.

Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Rides Honor Ramirez in the Allerton Neighborhood

Family members, clergy, and domestic violence advocates gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the Allerton apartment building where Ramirez lost her life, CBS News reported. Mourners released purple balloons into the sky, prayed, and shared memories while standing in solidarity with the grieving family. Earlier in the day, supporters participated in a purple ribbon ceremony, and members of the Ruff Ryders motorcycle club joined a memorial ride to honor Ramirez. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson attended the gathering alongside Ramirez’s mother and grandmother, who remained stationed at the baby’s hospital bedside. When you attack or harm one of us, you harm all of us, Gibson told attendees, as reported by NY1. The Rev. Oswald Dennis of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization also addressed the crowd, stating that supporters will not stop until they achieve justice.

Domestic Violence Advocates Call for Greater Community Action and Awareness

Community leaders and domestic violence advocates used the vigil to urge neighbors to recognize the warning signs of abuse and intervene when they hear potential violence. Stephanie McGraw, founder and chief executive officer of the domestic violence organization WARM, stated that neighbors heard disturbances beforehand but dismissed them as a routine argument. If you hear something, if you hear somebody yelling and screaming and glass breaking, you have to get involved, McGraw said, according to NY1. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local advocates have been actively canvassing the community to distribute information on available support resources. Elected officials also delivered stern messages during the gathering. Men, we gotta step it up, City Council Member Kevin Riley told the crowd, emphasizing that individuals who harm women and children should not be part of anyone’s life.

Angel Carrasco Remains Hospitalized Without Arraignment as Baby Nova Fights for Survival

Suspect Angel Carrasco remains hospitalized following his arrest and has not yet been arraigned on charges of murder and attempted murder, police sources told NY1. Meanwhile, family members continue to cope with the immense loss while maintaining a constant vigil for the infant survivor. Ramirez’s grandmother, Minerva Minaya, remembered her granddaughter as a joyful person who stayed devoted to her child despite facing hardships. Even in the midst of her tragedies, she was still thinking about her daughter, Minaya told CBS News. Ramirez’s mother also spoke publicly for the first time during the weekend events, thanking the community for its overwhelming support and stating that her daughter died protecting her baby girl until the very end.