In a devastating turn of events, 15-year-old Michael Raimondi, a 10th grader at Somers High School, lost his life following a violent shooting incident on Monday night in Somers, New York. His mother, Christina Raimondi, and younger brother, Matthew, were also severely injured in the attack that has shaken the community to its core. Authorities confirmed that Fernando Jimenez, a 40-year-old acquaintance of the family, allegedly opened fire at their Baldwin Place residence, leading to a frantic search that ended in Jimenez’s arrest the following day.
The tragic event unfolded late in the evening around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, with police receiving emergency calls from the Crossroads family housing complex reporting gunshots. Responding officers arrived to find Michael fatally wounded and his family members critically injured. Jimenez fled the scene, sparking a manhunt that stretched from Somers to Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley. The New York State Police (NYSP) eventually captured him around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, bringing an end to a tense and sorrowful morning for Somers and surrounding communities.
The scene at the Crossroads complex on Monday night was one of confusion and fear as neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. According to witnesses, Jimenez was a familiar but concerning presence in the neighborhood. A neighbor who requested anonymity stated she had seen him the day before the shooting, noting his unusual behavior of standing outside the Raimondi residence and staring intently at Christina as she sat in her car. Although residents were accustomed to the comings and goings at the complex, Jimenez’s behavior reportedly made some neighbors uneasy.
During a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Somers Town Supervisor Rob Scorrano described the event as a “domestic violence incident,” a label that underscored the personal nature of the attack. Supervisor Scorrano extended his condolences to the family and emphasized the town’s solidarity with the victims. “Somers is a tight-knit community, and I know we will all rally to support each other in the wake of this terrible incident,” he said, describing the widespread grief that has enveloped the town.
Following the shooting, Jimenez fled the scene, prompting an extensive search that spanned multiple jurisdictions. Authorities advised residents in Somers, Peekskill Hollow, and surrounding areas to shelter in place, warning that the suspect was believed to be armed and dangerous. Putnam Valley Central School District officials closed all district schools for the day, while the Lakeland and Mahopac Central School Districts implemented lockout procedures to ensure student safety.
By dawn, a strong law enforcement presence was visible along Peekskill Hollow Road and adjacent areas as police expanded their search. Drones and K-9 units assisted the search, and officers canvassed the neighborhoods in hopes of locating Jimenez. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and local businesses postponed opening until further notice. Finally, around 11:00 a.m., NYSP located and apprehended Jimenez, bringing a sense of relief to a community that had been on edge for hours.