In the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of cultures and bustling streets, tragedy struck on the night of June 2, 2025, leaving a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Ramel Fisher, a 39-year-old resident, was fatally shot in the abdomen on Putnam Avenue near Central Avenue, just steps from the familiar hum of urban life. As the gunfire erupted around 10 p.m., a 63-year-old man standing nearby suffered a harrowing injury, shot in the right eye. Both victims were swiftly transported to Brookdale University Hospital, where Fisher succumbed to his injuries. The older man, whose identity remains undisclosed, survived and is reported to be in stable condition. The incident, marked by at least three shell casings found at the scene, has left police searching for answers, with no arrests made as the investigation unfolds.
The shooting took place at 1233 Putnam Avenue, a location nestled between Central and Evergreen Avenues, where officers from the NYPD’s 83rd Precinct responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire. The scene was chaotic, with officers combing the area for evidence, their flashlights cutting through the darkness as they searched under parked cars and marked bullet casings near 1229 Putnam Avenue. For a neighborhood often described as lively yet relatively safe, the violence came as a shock to residents. One local, identified only as Nico, expressed disbelief, noting that while the area isn’t always quiet, such acts of violence are rare. “It’s pretty shocking—it always feels pretty safe in the neighborhood,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many who call Bushwick home.
The loss of Ramel Fisher has cast a somber shadow over the community. Described by neighbors as a familiar face, Fisher’s death marks the sixth homicide in the 83rd Precinct this year, a stark increase from the single murder reported in the same period last year. While overall shootings and homicides in New York City are at historic lows, this spike in the precinct underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence in pockets of the city. The surviving victim’s injury—a gunshot to the eye—adds a layer of horror to the incident, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such acts. Authorities have yet to determine who the intended target was, leaving open the possibility that one or both men were caught in a moment of random violence.
Police are piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, but the motive remains unclear. The recovery of shell casings suggests a deliberate act, yet the lack of arrests indicates the complexity of the investigation. Detectives are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage, and appealing to the public for information. The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline has been activated, encouraging anonymous tips that could lead to a breakthrough in the case. For residents, the incident has sparked a mix of fear and resolve, with many calling for increased community efforts to curb gun violence.
As Bushwick mourns, the broader context of the city’s struggle with gun crime comes into focus. While New York has seen a decline in overall shootings, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure safety for all. The community now waits for justice, hoping that answers will bring closure to a night that forever changed the lives of those on Putnam Avenue.
