NEW YORK — Friday marked four years since two newborns were found dead outside a <a href="http://www.world-today-news.com/in-new-york-chaos/" title="In New York, chaos”>Bronx apartment building. Their deaths are still shrouded in mystery, but detectives have not given up hope of finding the killer and bringing justice to the twins’ memory.
The Claremont community held a somber gathering in the evening, part of an annual tribute. Police officers stood shoulder to shoulder with the community to remember identical twins Zeke and Zane.
“Four years ago today the janitor in this building called 911,” said NYPD Detective Brianna Constantino. “He was cleaning out the trash and found what he thought was a doll in the corner here.”
It was not a doll, but a newborn baby.
“Police responded and found a second newborn next to the air conditioner,” Constantino said.
The twins were discovered behind an apartment building at College and Teller avenues in the Bronx.
“Both newborns had their umbilical cords still attached. They were pronounced dead at the hospital. The medical examiner ruled that they died from blunt force trauma and it was determined to be a homicide,” Constantino said.
The case impacted the detective and her team so much that they paid for a proper burial and named the brothers.
“We named them Zeke and Zane. And they are biblical. They are God’s gift and God’s strength. We think they will be taken care of. And we will deal with them and give them answers,” Constantino told our sister network NBC New York.
Researchers also aim to get answers for the neighborhood. Residents like Gladys Lugo said they are still haunted by the killings.
“I live on the first floor and the alley is where they were thrown. How can they do that? That was horrible,” Lugo said.
“Deep down in my heart I believe this was the person’s best decision on the worst day of their life and we are open to a conversation. We need to know the history and we want to know it. We are all involved,” said Constantino, who is not only leading the case, but also the cause.
Constantino has organized the annual tribute to Zeke and Zane, fulfilling a promise.
“We will bring this case to justice. Right now we are seeking the public’s help. Any little information could be crucial. There is a reward. It’s 10,000 dollars and you can pick up the phone and call. It is anonymous and we will investigate anything,” Constantino said.
Police also point out that there is a safe haven law in New York, which allows people to go to a police station, fire station or hospital to drop off a newborn baby, no questions asked. They will not face charges.
