Jamaican man charged with murdering niece in New York amid reported family inheritance dispute

A 58-year-old Jamaican man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his 39-year-old niece in the Bronx, New York, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.

The victim has been identified as Julia Anderson, who was shot shortly after midnight on Tuesday while sitting in her Jeep on Murdock Avenue in the Wakefield section of the Bronx.

Police charged Michael Foster with murder, manslaughter and 10 counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities have not yet announced an official motive for the killing.

According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, the shooting may have stemmed from a long-running dispute over the inheritance of a family home. Foster's mother, Icilda Foster, who reportedly died in 2023, is said to have left the property to Anderson, her eldest grandchild, a decision that allegedly angered Foster.

Investigators said Anderson had just finished her 4 p.m. to midnight work shift and had parked across the street from the family home she shared with Foster when she was shot twice in the chest.

Anderson, who lived in Mount Vernon with her mother, was reportedly on her way home from work when the shooting occurred.

Police initially believed the gunman may have been riding a moped. Officers recovered two shell casings at the scene, and witnesses reported seeing a moped speed away immediately after the gunfire. Investigators have not determined whether the rider was the shooter or someone fleeing the area.

A nearby resident told local media they heard two gunshots followed by a woman screaming for help.

Anderson's mother, Beverly Patterson, said she learned of her daughter's death from her younger daughter.

"My heart felt like it was going to come out," Patterson told a local television station.

She said Anderson typically arrived home shortly after midnight following work.

"Usually when she comes home I hear some kind of little noise. That's how I know she is home. But then I was wondering what happened," Patterson said.

Family members described Anderson as a hardworking woman who dedicated her career to supporting people with disabilities.

Loved ones said she was just one month away from celebrating her 40th birthday.

Foster remains in custody as the investigation continues. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.