by New York City, New York — A quiet Harlem apartment became the scene of a devastating tragedy after a mother of six was shot and killed in a barrage of gunfire, just days after moving in with her daughter to escape what her family describes as a threatening and controlling former partner.
Basilisa Negron, 47, was found fatally shot inside the bathroom of her daughter’s apartment on Malcolm X Boulevard, according to relatives and law enforcement sources. Negron had moved into the apartment only three days earlier, hoping to start over after ending a nearly 20-year relationship with her ex-boyfriend.
Family Says Threats Escalated Before Killing
Negron’s younger brother, Juan Romero, said the breakup marked a turning point in the former boyfriend’s behavior. According to the family, the man had been stalking and threatening Negron in the days leading up to her death, unable to accept the end of the relationship.
Romero said his sister had expressed fear for her safety and had tried to distance herself by staying with her adult daughter. At the time of the shooting, Negron’s daughter was out at a store, leaving her mother alone inside the apartment.
“We’re just hanging on, the family is just hanging on waiting for him to be caught,” Romero said. “If I ever see him face to face, there won’t be any talking.”
Ex-Boyfriend Considered Person of Interest
Law enforcement sources confirmed that Negron’s ex-boyfriend is considered a person of interest in the homicide. As of Wednesday afternoon, however, no arrests had been made, and no charges had been filed.
The NYPD stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or released details about how the shooter gained access to the apartment.
Romero said the family believes the attack was targeted and intentional, pointing to what he described as escalating threats in the days before the killing.
Prior Police Reports Under Scrutiny
Romero also claimed that Negron had previously sought help from police but felt her concerns were not adequately addressed. He said she had filed a report as recently as the week she left her ex, fearing retaliation.
An NYPD spokesperson said there were no reported domestic violence incidents tied to Negron in the week before her death, but confirmed that she had a documented domestic history with the department.
According to police, officers had previously taken reports, initiated investigations, conducted follow-ups, and provided referrals to domestic violence services in connection with earlier incidents involving Negron.
It remains unclear whether Negron ever obtained a formal order of protection against her ex-boyfriend.
Family Describes Pattern of Control
Romero described the former boyfriend as controlling and overbearing, saying his behavior intensified after Negron decided to leave the relationship. He claimed the man made disturbing comments that suggested constant surveillance.
“My niece told me he was saying, ‘I see your mother. I know where she’s at. I know where she’s walking to right now,’” Romero said. “He knew what time she went into the house.”
The family believes those remarks demonstrate a clear pattern of stalking that escalated into deadly violence.
Remembered as a Loving Mother
Negron was the oldest of six siblings and shared three children with her former boyfriend. Family members described her as generous, kind, and deeply devoted to her children and loved ones.
“She was a loving person. Always trying to help people,” Romero said. “If she had her last dollar, she’d give it to you.”
Her death has left relatives grappling with grief and anger, while demanding accountability and answers from authorities.
Investigation Continues
Police say detectives are actively working the case, reviewing evidence and speaking with potential witnesses. Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to come forward as the investigation continues.
For Negron’s family, the focus remains on justice — and ensuring that what they describe as clear warning signs are not overlooked in future cases involving domestic violence.
What are your thoughts on how domestic violence warnings are handled before tragedies occur? Share your perspective in the comments below.
