The Boerum Hil community in Brooklyn, New York is shocked over the loss of Ramon Cintron. The 83-year-old man was fatally stabbed on April 9 after winning the lottery, a cruel twist of fate that has left his family, friends, and neighbors reeling.
Police have identified the suspect in the murder as 26-year-old Joevani Vale. Vale allegedly punched and slashed two women on the same day before attacking and killing Cintron. It’s a brutal crime that has rocked the Brooklyn neighborhood and left many wondering how someone with Vale’s violent tendencies was allowed to roam the streets.
Cintron was a well-liked member of the community, known for his friendly demeanor and kind heart. He worked at a local pharmacy until his 70s and often played the lottery at Papa Firo Grocery, where the manager, Victor Santiago, described him as a grandfather to the neighborhood. It’s heartbreaking to think that such a gentle soul could meet such a violent end.
Vale was identified by police from surveillance footage in the area, and it was revealed that the suspect and his victim lived in the same building. Investigators believe that Cintron’s murder was motivated by robbery, as his wallet was missing from the scene.
Vale has a history of violence, having been arrested three times before for various offenses, including assault, possession of a weapon, and menacing. He has also faced charges of public lewdness and forcible touching in the past.
Vale turned himself in at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn on Monday for a psychiatric evaluation, and a relative of his informed hospital staff that he was the man police were searching for in connection to both attacks. However, Vale’s stay at the hospital was not without incident. On Wednesday night, while being escorted to the bathroom, he allegedly attacked a police officer by punching him in the face. It’s unclear what prompted the outburst, but sources say that Vale appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest.
Surveillance footage shows Vale entering the building where Cintron lived, disappearing for 11 minutes, and then returning to the lobby wearing different clothes. He is then seen entering the elevator with Cintron before allegedly stabbing and kicking him in the neck. Vale then fled the scene.
The loss of Ramon Cintron has left the Brooklyn community in mourning. His family, friends, and neighbors are struggling to come to terms with the tragic news, and the fact that such a violent act could occur in their community.
