Bronx rapper Suave Drilly, whose birth name was John Martinez, was tragically shot and killed in New York City on Wednesday evening, October 15. The 27-year-old artist was transported to a local hospital following the incident, where he was pronounced dead, as confirmed by the NYPD to Billboard.

According to reports from ABC7, Martinez sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. ET, shortly after he had left a parole office situated in Mott Haven. Witness Clarisa Alayeto observed the harrowing event unfold, describing how a group of men, all wearing ski masks, rushed the parole office and opened fire on Martinez. Alayeto immediately contacted the police.

Expressing concerns about the location, Alayeto told reporters, “We’ve been talking with the state about getting this parole office relocated.” She added, “People retaliate; this is what it seems like. People know that a releasee is trying to see their PO, and that’s the time they try to maximize and attack, and then the people around are the people who are caught, unfortunately, in the mix.” After the shooting, three assailants were reportedly seen fleeing the scene.

A crowd quickly gathered at the location, and emergency workers made efforts to revive Martinez before he was taken to Lincoln Hospital. Alayeto further recounted the chaotic scene, stating, “People were getting close, and they were like back up back up with their guns out.”

The New York Daily News reported on Martinez’s past legal troubles. He had previously been indicted in 2022 as part of a group of 20 individuals in the Bronx for their alleged involvement in a series of shootings across the NYC borough. In 2023, he was convicted of a first-degree attempted gang assault charge, subsequently receiving parole in January 2024. Martinez had also teamed up with Blizzy Drilly for the track “Danger” in June. Police have stated that the investigation into his death is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.