Harlem Community Mourns Beloved Grandmother Excenia Mette, Killed in Crossfire on 113th Street
April, 2025 – Harlem, NY
The sidewalk along 113th Street and Lenox Avenue, once filled with laughter, footsteps, and neighborhood conversations, now bears the weight of grief and remembrance. It is here, beneath flickering candlelight and fresh bouquets of flowers, that Harlem mourns the loss of 61-year-old Excenia Mette—a cherished grandmother, neighbor, and unwavering pillar of her community.
Excenia was tragically killed on Tuesday night, the innocent victim of a senseless act of violence when gunfire erupted nearby. According to the NYPD, she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting that investigators believe was not intended for her. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Excenia was pronounced dead shortly after.
“She was the heart of our block,” said longtime neighbor Linda Graham. “Always looking out for the kids, always praying for us. This corner will never feel the same without her.”
As police continue to search for those responsible, the community has rallied in both sorrow and solidarity, transforming the sidewalk into a makeshift memorial. Messages scrawled in chalk, handwritten notes from grandchildren, and photos capturing her ever-present smile now adorn the area where she once stood daily.
Born and raised in Harlem, Excenia was known for her generosity, wisdom, and the steady presence she provided in a neighborhood facing ever-changing times. She helped organize food drives, cared for neighbors in need, and was often seen walking her grandchildren to school.
City leaders and advocates have called for renewed urgency in addressing gun violence in urban communities, using Excenia’s death as a painful reminder of the toll this crisis continues to take.
“There must be justice for Excenia,” said Councilmember Ayanna Thompson. “And there must be action—not just for her, but for every life stolen by violence in our streets.”
The NYPD is asking anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for tips that lead to an arrest.
As Harlem lights candles in memory of a life lost far too soon, Excenia Mette’s legacy of love, strength, and service will live on—in the stories of those she touched and the streets she helped shape with quiet grace.
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