Tragedy in Harlem: Beloved Grandmother and Community Pillar Excenia Mette Fatally Shot
Harlem, New York – April 22, 2025 — A wave of grief and disbelief has swept through Harlem following a tragic and senseless act of violence that took the life of 61-year-old Excenia Mette, a beloved grandmother and respected community icon. What began as a quiet Tuesday afternoon was quickly shattered by the sound of gunfire outside Excenia’s apartment building, transforming an ordinary day into a moment that will be painfully remembered by all who knew her.
According to early reports from NYPD, Excenia was shot in the head just outside her residence near Malcolm X Boulevard, in broad daylight. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. As police continue to investigate the motive and seek suspects, the community is left grappling with shock, anger, and overwhelming sorrow.
For decades, Excenia Mette was more than just a resident of Harlem—she was its heart. Known for her warm smile, sage advice, and tireless commitment to uplifting her neighbors, Excenia had become a fixture in her block and beyond. Whether organizing food drives, mentoring youth, or simply checking in on elders in her building, she embodied the spirit of community that Harlem holds dear.
“She wasn’t just my grandmother,” said her oldest granddaughter, tearfully speaking to reporters. “She was everybody’s grandmother. Everyone came to her for something—comfort, food, or just a listening ear. She never turned anyone away.”
Excenia raised three children and helped care for six grandchildren, all of whom she adored and who adored her in return. Friends and neighbors recall how she would often sit on the stoop in the evenings, welcoming conversation and offering guidance to young people who looked to her as a trusted elder. Her wisdom and presence were grounding forces in a neighborhood that has experienced many changes over the years.
Community leaders and city officials have expressed their condolences and vowed to ensure justice is served. “This is a tragic reminder of the gun violence that continues to rob us of the people who make our communities whole,” said Harlem Councilwoman Teresa Nolan. “Excenia Mette was a treasure—her death is a devastating loss, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”
The NYPD has released minimal details as the investigation is still ongoing. However, they are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers, and a reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
A memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now lines the sidewalk in front of Excenia’s building, with neighbors and strangers alike stopping to pay respects. A community vigil is being organized to honor her memory, and plans are underway to dedicate a community garden in her name—something she long advocated for and hoped to see completed.
As Harlem mourns the loss of one of its most cherished figures, the memory of Excenia Mette will live on through the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the strength she showed every day. Her passing is a call to action—for justice, for peace, and for the continued fight to protect those who give so much to the communities they call home.
May Excenia rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy forever inspire unity and compassion in the neighborhood she so deeply loved.
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