New York City's First Homicide of 2026 Leaves Family in Shock, Police Seek Suspect
A deadly shooting on New Year’s Day marked the beginning of a grim year for New York City, leaving behind a grieving family and authorities scrambling to find justice. The victim was 55-year-old Issa Mbolo-Isac, an Uber driver who had recently completed a long shift behind the wheel.
Eyewitnesses describe the events leading up to the shooting: two men approached Mbolo-Isac’s vehicle, which he had just spoken with his brother by phone and was on his way to visit at a mosque. The men allegedly forced him out of the car, but when Mbolo-Isac tried to drive away, they shot, striking him in the head. Police say he died at the scene.
Taxi drivers, like many New Yorkers, are being told to be vigilant, with some claiming they're being targeted by violent individuals who take advantage of their late-night shifts and relatively low wages. Mbolo-Isac's friend, Mansour Massamba, described him as one of the kindest people he'd ever known.
The shooting also raises concerns about public safety in New York City. The police department reported record-low shootings last year, but this tragic event marks a grim return to normalcy. Another for-hire driver was stabbed and seriously wounded just weeks ago.
Police are now seeking information on the suspect, 24-year-old Ehinel Troncoso, who has been identified as a person of interest in connection with Mbolo-Isac's death. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward through the Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit their tips online.
The investigation is ongoing, and police hope that tips from the public will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this senseless tragedy.
A deadly shooting on New Year’s Day marked the beginning of a grim year for New York City, leaving behind a grieving family and authorities scrambling to find justice. The victim was 55-year-old Issa Mbolo-Isac, an Uber driver who had recently completed a long shift behind the wheel.
Eyewitnesses describe the events leading up to the shooting: two men approached Mbolo-Isac’s vehicle, which he had just spoken with his brother by phone and was on his way to visit at a mosque. The men allegedly forced him out of the car, but when Mbolo-Isac tried to drive away, they shot, striking him in the head. Police say he died at the scene.
Taxi drivers, like many New Yorkers, are being told to be vigilant, with some claiming they're being targeted by violent individuals who take advantage of their late-night shifts and relatively low wages. Mbolo-Isac's friend, Mansour Massamba, described him as one of the kindest people he'd ever known.
The shooting also raises concerns about public safety in New York City. The police department reported record-low shootings last year, but this tragic event marks a grim return to normalcy. Another for-hire driver was stabbed and seriously wounded just weeks ago.
Police are now seeking information on the suspect, 24-year-old Ehinel Troncoso, who has been identified as a person of interest in connection with Mbolo-Isac's death. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward through the Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit their tips online.
The investigation is ongoing, and police hope that tips from the public will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this senseless tragedy.
This is just so sad... a guy who was already having a long day at work and then gets ambushed like that. My heart goes out to his family, it's not fair to them. 
I've seen some stuff about taxi drivers being targeted because of their late-night shifts, but I think the real issue here is just plain old senseless violence. 
We need more people coming forward with info on Ehinel Troncoso, let's hope he gets caught and brought to justice soon 
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This is just heartbreaking man Issa was a good guy, he didn't deserve that 
. And the police department has to step up their game, we need more resources for these late-night drivers who are just trying to make a living 
. Ehinel Troncoso, if you're reading this, you better turn yourself in ASAP #JusticeForIssa #RideSharingSafety #NYCPolice
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We need to take a closer look at how our police department is handling these situations and make sure they're doing everything in their power to keep us safe 
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Another year, another life lost in the city we call home. It's like they're not even trying to protect us anymore 
. They work late hours, alone, and for minimum wage... it's like the perfect storm of vulnerability. We need to do something about this, like increase security measures or provide better support for these workers 
