Yonkers Police ID Suspect In Shooting Death

YONKERS, NY — Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Charles Gardner held a press conference Monday in Yonkers City Hall to announce the progress into the homicide investigation of Marilyn Cotto Montanez and the identity of the alleged shooter. Cotto Montanez, an 18-year-old resident of Morningside Avenue and student member of the Yonkers Public Schools learning community, was shot April 25 in the area of Lake Avenue at Morningside Avenue.

Wanted for murder is Jamir Thompson, 15, of Yonkers, police said. On the day of the incident, Thompson had taken a gold chain by force from another person; that person and Thompson along with others later engaged in a dispute in the area of Lake Avenue at Morningside Avenue, where police said that Thompson displayed a handgun and fired at least one shot in the direction of the other group, according to authorities.

That shot struck Cotto Montanez. She was an unintended target and innocent victim. A 9mm cartridge casing was recovered from scene, police said.

Thompson fled the area and is believed to be in hiding. He may be receiving assistance from third parties. Yonkers Police detectives and investigators have been working diligently to enhance this investigation and locate him, authorities said. Thompson may have fled the New York metropolitan area.

The Yonkers Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Thompson. Additionally, anyone found to be harboring him may be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Thompson is encouraged to contact the Yonkers Police Detective Division at 914-377-7725 . All calls will remain confidential. Completely anonymous tips can be sent by texting the key word YPD plus the tip to 847411. Anonymous tips can also be sent to us directly through the Yonkers PD Tips app.

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