A tragic incident unfolded this weekend in Harlem, where former basketball standout Kinu Rochford was shot dead during a local tournament.
Community Mourns
Rochford, 35, had previously played for Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent several years competing professionally overseas before returning to the city to coordinate services for WIN, a nonprofit that assists the homeless.
Two other participants, a 28‑year‑old man and a 22‑year‑old woman, were wounded in the altercation that preceded the gunfire.
Organizer and Official Response
The Kingdom Games, which organized the tournament, issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing deep sorrow for Rochford’s family.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the scene, offering condolences and pledging municipal support for the victims and their families.
Police Appeal
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooter, who fled after an argument with Rochford, to contact Crime Stoppers via phone, online portal, or social media.