Kristal Bayron-Nieves was doing every little thing proper this time final yr, holding down a gradual job at a neighborhood Burger King whereas learning to be a nurse — however she’d by no means stay to succeed in her full potential.
The 19-year-old East Harlem resident was shot useless on Jan. 9, 2022 on what was presupposed to be her final late-night shift by an armed robber in search of money from the quick meals joint — pulling the set off on her for simply $100 in money.
One yr later, her family and friends had been nonetheless struggling with the incomprehensible agony left in the wake of the homicide — the younger woman’s mom, brother, and grandfather serving because the dwelling, respiratory price of gun violence — whereas attending a street renaming ceremony in Bayron-Nieves’ honor Sunday.
“She doesn’t want anybody to forget what happened. But she also wants her daughter, a 19-year-old young woman, my baby to forever be remembered,” mentioned Metropolis Council Member Diana Ayala, translating remarks from the sufferer’s mom, Kristie Nieves. “She takes solace in knowing that many of her family and friends who knew her are here today. When you go home today, she wants you to hug your children.”
Feelings ran uncooked on the Jan. 8 ceremony, spilling out in profuse tears as attendees embraced in the shadow of the cold-blooded crime that befell. Mayor Eric Adams was amongst those that shared in their grief, lamenting what he cited as a monumental loss mere days after he took workplace.
“I remember like it was yesterday, walking into the household and seeing the family and how traumatized they were,” Mayor Adams mentioned. “This is why we are so engaged in being preventive to not get guns in the hands of our young people, to send a clear message that these are not stats, these are not numbers, these are not just percentages—these are our babies. These are children and the pain never dissipates.”
Spectators launched balloons into the sky in reminiscence of Bayron-Nieves earlier than formally unveiling the brand new street identify. The group gathered across the lamppost, hugged and lit candles in honor of a life taken too quickly.
“It’s particularly painful to think about Kristal, who did what we asked young people to do. She went out and got a job to earn money—not an easy job, working the overnight shift and fast food to help her family pay bills. She had a dream to save money to attend nursing school. Kristal today should have been in nursing school,” Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine mentioned.
