A Bronx man was fatally shot Thursday morning, marking what authorities believe to be New York City’s first homicide of 2026. The incident occurred near the intersection of Morris Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway just before 7 a.m.
Police identified the victim as 55-year-old Issa Mbolo-Isac, a resident of Clarence Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, officers from the 46th Precinct discovered Mbolo-Isac suffering from a gunshot wound to the head and he was declared dead by emergency medical services shortly thereafter.
Details surrounding the shooting are still unclear. Reports suggest that Mbolo-Isac was found inside a blue Toyota SUV with TLC plates, indicating that he might have worked as a rideshare driver. However, investigators have not disclosed any information regarding a possible motive or suspect in the case.
This tragic event raises concerns as it comes after a year in which the NYPD reported significant reductions in crime rates, especially in homicides within the precinct. In the previous year, the 46th Precinct recorded only seven homicides through December 28, a marked drop from 27 incidents in 2024. Additionally, shootings in the precinct fell by 54%, with 23 incidents reported in 2025 compared to 50 the year before.
The community is now left grappling with the aftermath of this violence, searching for answers as police continue their investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to reach out to Crime Stoppers. All tips are confidential and can be submitted by calling 800-577-TIPS or online. As 2026 begins, the push for safety in the city is more urgent than ever, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing gun violence.