A man wanted for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend in the Bronx earlier this week died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police moved in to arrest him, according to law enforcement sources.
Shannon Graham, 35, was the prime suspect in the killing of 31-year-old Jessica Hoyle, who was found shot inside her Mickle Avenue home in the Williamsbridge neighborhood late Tuesday night. Police said the two had been in a heated argument prior to the shooting.
Detectives from the NYPD’s Warrants and Fugitive Task Force tracked Graham to a residence on Pratt Avenue in Eastchester on Thursday afternoon, using a phone ping to locate him at a multi-family home. According to sources, Graham barricaded himself inside the building, prompting the department’s Emergency Services Unit to intervene.
Once inside, officers discovered Graham on a second-floor landing with a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where he later died.
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Investigators believe Hoyle was shot around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Her 57-year-old mother, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, lives on the ground floor of the home. She told authorities she had overheard her daughter and Graham arguing throughout the day.
When she heard a loud bang later that night and was unable to check on her daughter due to mobility limitations, she called 911. Responding officers discovered Hoyle’s body upstairs.
The tragic incident underscores the deadly toll of domestic violence, which continues to devastate families across the city.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, support is available. New York City residents can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential help. For support nationwide, dial 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
