Bronx mother makes emotional plea for justice nearly a year after son's killing
Johnson says her son, Randy Blanche, was known for his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. She says he dreamed of studying culinary arts, worked two jobs and was saving money to buy a car.
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Nearly a year after her 24-year-old son was shot and killed in the Bronx, Shonta Johnson is speaking publicly for the first time, hoping to keep his son's case in the spotlight and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Johnson says her son, Randy Blanche, was known for his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. She says he dreamed of studying culinary arts, worked two jobs and was saving money to buy a car. According to his mother, Blanche often shared meals with people in need and always put others before himself.
Johnson says that caring nature is what brought Blanche to Morris Avenue in November 2025. She says there had been a fight involving several people before Blanche received a call from someone he knew asking him to help calm the situation.
One of the most painful moments for Johnson, she says, was watching surveillance video that captured her son's final moments. She told News 12 the video, which has not been released publicly, shows Blanche telling the friend he was helping, "Let's walk away."
She says the two turned their backs and began walking away when Marcos Rodriguez allegedly stepped into the middle of the street and fired five shots. According to Johnson, Blanche's friend was the intended target, but one of the bullets struck and killed Blanche.
In November 2025, the NYPD announced the arrest of 59-year-old Denise Aponte, of the Bronx. She was charged with murder, manslaughter and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Johnson alleges Aponte called her husband downstairs and said, "Bring the gun."
Despite that arrest, Johnson says the man wanted in connection with her son's killing remains at large. News 12 reached out to the NYPD for an update on the investigation.
Police did not provide any new information about the search for Rodriguez and only confirmed Aponte's next court appearance. Police have not responded to Johnson's calls. She's been calling for weeks for an update on her son's case.
Now, Johnson says she is asking the public for help, hoping someone with information will come forward and help investigators locate Rodriguez and bring justice to her family.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website or mobile app.
