Numerous bystanders watched in horror as Bronx drill rapper Suave Drilly, legally named John Martinez, was fatally gunned down outside a state Division of Parole office in Mott Haven on October 15, 2025.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. when three masked men ambushed the 27-year-old artist near the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard, firing multiple shots into his torso before fleeing eastbound on East 132nd Street.
Responding parole officers immediately called for backup from the 40th Precinct while attempting to control a growing crowd of shocked onlookers.
Video from the scene shows an officer performing chest compressions on Martinez as he lay on the sidewalk. Emergency medical services arrived quickly and continued life-saving efforts during transport to Lincoln Hospital, where Martinez was pronounced dead.
The NYPD issued a Level 1 mobilization following the incident, indicating a significant law enforcement response. Detectives have established a crime scene perimeter and are actively canvassing for witnesses and evidence, but as of October 17, no arrests have been reported in connection with the killing.
Martinez, who performed under the name Suave Drilly, was a fixture in the Norwood and Bedford Park drill rap scene.
His music included the 2024 YouTube track “Straight Keef,” which had gained local attention. His family has been advised to contact music rights organizations to ensure proper management of his compositions and potential royalties. His criminal history included a 2023 conviction for first-degree attempted gang assault, for which he was paroled in January 2024. Martinez was affiliated with the G-Side/Drilly gang and had been arrested alongside 20 others in a 2022 police operation.
The broad daylight execution has intensified concerns about ongoing violence connected to the drill rap community in the Bronx. Martinez was leaving his scheduled parole appointment when the attack occurred.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow artists in the days following the shooting.
Police have not publicly identified suspects or disclosed potential motives for the killing.
The NYPD Homicide Division is leading the investigation and has activated the Crime Stoppers hotline (800-577-TIPS) for anonymous tips from the public as they pursue leads in what appears to be a targeted hit.
According to industry insiders, Martinez had recently begun claiming his artist profiles on streaming platforms to increase his visibility before his tragic death.
