Vigil for Raimondi Family Ends Emotional Week in Somers

SOMERS, N.Y. - Hundreds of Somers residents gathered in Reis Park on Saturday night to remember the life of Michael Raimondi and pray for the recovery of the other victims in the tragic shooting that took place on Oct. 28.

The park’s stage was filled with photos, collages and handmade prayer signs offering words of comfort for the friends and family of Christina Raimondi and her two sons, Michael and Matthew. 

The Raimondis were the victims of a domestic violence shooting on the night of Monday, Oct. 28, perpetrated by Fernando Jimenez, 40, at the Crossroads housing complex in Baldwin Place. Michael Raimondi, 15, was killed in the attack, while Christina and Matthew remain hospitalized in critical condition. 

Media reports identified Jimenez as a Chilean national who had re-entered the country illegally after having been deported 20 years ago. He was captured the morning after the incident following an extensive manhunt in Putnam Valley.

COMMUNITY GATHERS

Residents came together alongside law enforcement personnel and local officials on the night of Nov. 2 to hear from several speakers, including Somers High School teachers, Matthew’s little league coach, and Raimondi family members. 

Before a somber crowd holding candles on the cool autumn night, Somers High School’s Mike Lacko was the first to take the stage.

“We gather tonight to honor the life of Michael Raimondi, a young man who touched the hearts of many,” Lacko said. “Michael was more than a just a student, he was a friend, a brother, a son, and a shining light in our lives. He was a brilliant mind, a curious soul, and a gentle heart.”

Next to speak were a pair of SHS teachers, Anne McGuire and Doreen Stoecker.

“Michael built connections with so many of us here at Somers High School, and he’ll always be remembered for the way he touched our lives,” Stoecker explained. 

Stoecker recognized the efforts of SHS teacher assistants Angela Crowley and Mike Lacko for being at Michael’s side in all of his classes. 

“Michael was a young man who only spoke when he had something to say,” Maguire added. “And when he did, you’d often find him making us laugh, explaining why he thought an assignment was ‘too boring,’ or sharing a story about his family and what he did on his weekend adventures.” 

Maguire and Stoecker would recount Michael’s love of the classroom holiday and birthday parties, his affinity for origami, and his overall demeanor that endeared him to the staff at SHS. 

“His silliness and laughter were infectious,” said Stoecker.  “We send our love and strength to Michael’s family, and are keeping Christina and Matthew in our prayers.” 

Mike Evers, one of Matthew’s coaches for the Red Storm travel baseball team, would follow. 

“Matthew is a determined, hard-working young man who truly loves the game of baseball and cherishes the time spent with friends,” Evers said. “Watching Matthew’s growth over the years has been one of the highlights of my coaching experience. Christina has always been an incredible supporter of Matthew and our team. She was at every game cheering for Matthew and his teammates. She is a dedicated and selfless mother who did everything she could to ensure that Matthew felt and heard her love.” 

Family members would join in to address the crowd, giving thanks for the support that they have received from the Somers community. 

“Seeing this community come together in memory of Michael gives us a sense of comfort we never imagined possible,” said Christina’s cousin, Lenny Yee. “To our friends and neighbors and everyone who reached out, your support has been a beacon of hope during these dark days. We feel your love with every prayer, kind word, and gesture of kindness. As we hold Michael in our hearts, we ask for your continued prayers for Matthew and Christina.”

Michael’s cousin Angelina Garces later took the stage to echo the stories of kindness. 

“He was such a sweet and innocent young boy and everyone remembers him as the person who always brought us joy,” said Garces.

Town Supervisor Rob Scorrano would emphasize the importance of the community remaining strong together in the face of the tragic event. 

“This town is humbled and heartbroken to stand with you as we come together in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” said Scorrano. "Tonight, we pray and honor Michael, a life taken too soon. We pray for Christina, a mother who needs our compassion and care as she continues to heal. Tonight, we are reminded of our strength as a community.” 

DETAILS ON JIMENEZ EMERGE

As the community continued to process the horrific incident, new details came to light regarding shooter Fernando Jimenez. 

According to information provided by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson earlier in the week, Jimenez had been deported from the United States 20 years ago and illegally re-entered the country sometime later. 

Jimenez had also previously been charged with driving while intoxicated in Yonkers in 2018.

In response to the new information, Congressman Mike Lawler of the 17th Congressional District and Matt Slater of the 94th Assembly District issued statements on Oct. 31. (Both are seeking re-election on Nov. 5. Lawler will face Democratic candidate Mondaire Jones while Slater vies against Democrat Zack Couzens.)

“The horrific killing in Somers of a high-school child by an illegal immigrant is a story that’s been repeated across the nation far too many times,” said Congressman Lawler in a statement issued on Oct. 31. “And in New York, it happened precisely because Kathy Hochul and Democrats in NY refuse to cooperate with ICE.” 

“To say I am outraged and heartbroken over the tragic and senseless murder of an innocent New Yorker by an illegal immigrant who had no right to be here in the first place would be a huge understatement,” said Slater in his statement. “This tragedy took place three miles from my house. It should make every resident sick knowing the suspect was arrested in 2018 and released because of Westchester County’s sanctuary policies that were approved earlier that year.”

Jones and Couzens did not respond to requests for comment. 

Jimenez is facing murder and attempted murder charges and is due back in court on Monday, Nov. 18.