Jason Rivera's killer Lashawn McNeil dies as injured cop Wilbert Mora battles for life
NYPD cop-killer Lashawn McNeil, who killed one person and left another fighting for his life, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, January 24. Lashawn McNeil, 47, had been in critical condition after being shot by an officer during a shootout where he fatally gunned down Jason Rivera, 22, and critically injured NYPD cop Wilbert Mora, 27. The incident took place during a domestic disturbance inside McNeil's brother’s Harlem apartment last week.
Rivera lost his life after he was fatally shot by McNeil. Upon reaching the scene, Rivera was fatally shot in the hallway by the 47-year-old suspect, who was supposedly arguing with his mother. The cop fell onto his back and later succumbed to his injuries. His partner Mora was also hit by a bullet and is currently critical.
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McNeil was later shot in the neck and shoulder by another officer accompanying Rivera and Mora. Rivera's tragic death on duty was mourned by NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell as well as New York Mayor Eric Adams. "I am struggling to find the words to express what we are enduring, we're mourning and we're angry. The pain their families are experiencing is not something anyone can put into words," Sewell noted. Mayor Eric Adams stated, "Let's weed out that 1%. This is a fight -- violence against New Yorkers, that's the battle we're in right now. We're in a battle with a small number of people that believe they will hold our city hostage with violence. That will not happen."
McNeil's mother told New York Post that she wishes she had not dialled 911 the day of the incident, which brought the cops to her place. “If I knew, I never would have made the phone call,” said the mother. "“I would never have called!”
“I would like to say to Mr. and Mrs. [Rivera] that I am deeply sorry,” she said. “I know that there is not words that I can express. Your pain. Your sorrow. Me and my family are not proud of my son taking of life." “There is nothing I can say to heal your sorrow, but God is a comforter. … And I know that he sent your son to do his will,” she added, addressing Rivera’s parents. “I don’t understand it. It’s not fair. My heart goes out to you and your family.”