A 23-year-old Bronx mother died after she and her 8-month-old daughter were allegedly pushed from a 15th-floor balcony early Tuesday, and the man police identified in connection with the case has since been arrested.
Nathaly Ramirez was found seriously injured outside the apartment building at 2550 Olinville Ave. in the Allerton section of the Bronx shortly before 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 6. Her infant daughter was also found at the scene and was rushed to Jacobi Hospital.
Ramirez later died from her injuries. Her daughter survived the fall and was initially listed in critical condition. Police later said the baby’s condition had improved to critical but stable.
Investigators identified 31-year-old Angel Carrasco as the man wanted in connection with the incident. Police said Carrasco was Ramirez’s former boyfriend and the father of the baby. He was taken into custody Wednesday night by U.S. Marshals, ending the search for him.
The case began when officers responded to a report of two people needing help outside the apartment building. At first, the injuries appeared consistent with a fall from a significant height. Investigators later determined that Ramirez and her daughter had been pushed from the balcony.
Witnesses in the building described hearing shouting in the moments before the fall. One neighbor told reporters she heard a woman pleading about her baby before the two fell from the building.
Authorities have also been examining the relationship between Ramirez and Carrasco as part of the investigation. Police said there had been previous domestic incidents involving the pair. According to investigators, officers had responded to the apartment twice in January, including an incident that resulted in an assault charge and another involving an alleged break-in.
Surveillance footage also became part of the investigation. Police said Carrasco was seen around the apartment building, and investigators used that information as they worked to identify the person they believed was responsible.
Carrasco now faces charges including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and assault, according to police.
The tragedy has brought a growing response from residents and people who knew Ramirez. A prayer vigil was held outside the building Wednesday, with candles and flowers placed near a memorial for the young mother.
Friends and community members described Ramirez as a loving mother, while advocates for victims of domestic violence used the vigil to call attention to the need for greater support and protection for people facing abuse.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fall. Ramirez’s daughter remains hospitalized and is expected to recover, according to authorities.
