Wakefield: A homicide investigation is launched after a man dies two weeks after a home invasion

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 50-year-old man died in a home invasion in the Wakefield section of the Bronx last month, police said.

Police said that on Sunday, June 23, around 5 p.m., officers responded to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital for a “past assault” that occurred around 7:30 a.m. at 4441 Furman Avenue.

“Upon arrival, officers were advised by a male victim in his 50s that he had been punched in the face multiple times by an unknown male, a police spokesman said. “The victim was transported to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital by private means with facial swelling and bruising.”

Police said the victim succumbed to his injuries on July 6 and the city medical examiner ruled the incident a homicide. Police said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

The deceased was identified as Mark Gocul of Furman Avenue, Bronx. He had apparently worked as a DJ and was known as “Mr. Cool.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crimestoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org,/ or on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.