Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Beloved Harlem Bodega Owner Killed in Crossfire: Surveillance Footage Captures Shooting
A harrowing video reveals the tragic moment a cherished former Harlem bodega owner was fatally struck by gunfire Tuesday night. The incident occurred after she reportedly heard gunshots and ventured outside to check on her grandson. This senseless act of violence has shaken the community, highlighting the dangers of gun violence in urban neighborhoods. This article contains details of the incident and community reaction.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Excenia Mette, 61, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head from a stray bullet. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police and law enforcement sources confirmed that the bullet was intended for someone else.
Security camera footage from a nearby establishment shows Mette exiting Tamara’s Beauty Bar, a salon located on the ground floor of her apartment building, around 10:30 p.m. She paused, looked around, and then attempted to retreat inside as further shots rang out. Sadly, she was unable to reach safety.
The distressing video, obtained by The Post, shows the well-regarded community member collapsing to the ground.
Argument Leads to Gun Violence
The gunfire that claimed the life of the innocent bystander and injured another person erupted after an argument between two men escalated. Sources indicated that the dispute turned into a gun battle.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Witnesses reported that one suspect initially drew a firearm, leading to a brief scuffle. Subsequently, the second suspect produced his own weapon and began firing. One of the shots struck Mette, according to sources.
Eyewitness Accounts and Security Footage Analysis
- The 47-second video clip depicts bystanders scrambling for safety behind parked vehicles following the initial gunshots.
- Mette is seen peering outside the salon at West 113th Street and Lenox Avenue.
- She then took a few steps outward and appeared to shout something before another volley of shots erupted.
- The grandmother was hit and fell onto the sidewalk in front of the salon entrance as she tried to retreat to safety.
- Another man appeared in the security video and stumbled before quickly regaining his footing and seeking cover.
Mette, affectionately known as “Zeenie,” was left lying on the ground for several seconds before anyone rushed to assist her. Authorities recovered at least eight shell casings from the scene during their investigation.
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Resident
According to loved ones, it was characteristic of Mette to rush outside to ensure her grandson’s well-being, even at the cost of her own life.
Less than a day after the tragic shooting, a makeshift memorial of flowers and prayer candles spelling out the letter Z and a heart shape was erected outside the beauty salon.
A large piece of cardboard was placed on the front of the salon, which was closed on Wednesday. Numerous heartfelt, handwritten messages paid tribute to Mette.
Messages included:
- “We love your soul, Momma Zee. Fly high, my love.”
- “You taught me how to be a gentleman, without a Pops.”
- “I miss you so much already.”
Mette’s Legacy: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur
Mette was a cornerstone of her Harlem neighborhood as the former proprietor of Momma Zee’s Food to Plez Deli, which she operated for approximately four decades.
She launched her pioneering business in the 1980s, making it the first woman- and Black-owned bodega in the Big Apple.
The deli was ultimately forced to close after it succumbed to the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update on Suspects
One suspect allegedly involved in the shootout, Darious Smith, 23, has been apprehended by police. He sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.
The second gunman, believed to be responsible for Mette’s death, remains at large as of Wednesday night.