Marcus Henderson : “Mt. Hope Police Arrest Two in Double Homicide”

Police have launched two separate murder investigations following the deaths of two individuals in incidents in Mt. Hope, Bronx, within a 24-hour period. The first incident occurred on Friday, May 24, at approximately 5:57 p.m. when officers from the 46th Precinct responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at 1825 Topping Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a 37-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the right leg. The victim, identified as Marcus Henderson, was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A person of interest has been taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

The following day, Brandon Austin, 29, also of 1825 Topping Avenue, was arrested in connection with the incident. He was charged with murder in the second degree, aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Brandon Austin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

On the same day, Saturday, May 25, at around 10:10 a.m., another incident occurred in the area. Police responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious and unresponsive male with multiple stab wounds to the chest at 1752 Walton Avenue. The victim, identified as John Welgoss, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene. A person of interest was taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

Jacqueline Ratliff, 60, also of 1752 Walton Avenue, was arrested in connection with the second incident. She was charged with murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Jacqueline Ratliff is also presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All information provided will be kept confidential.

These tragic events have shaken the Mt. Hope community, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The NYPD is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the Bronx, and will continue to investigate these incidents thoroughly.