It’s a case that’s haunted NYPD investigators for two years.
“It hurts. Two years later, we’re still here,” said NYPD Lt. William O’Toole, the commanding officer of the Bronx Homicide Squad.
For O’Toole this case has become personal. The NYPD has unofficially adopted the twin boys who were found in an alleyway behind a Claremont building. His detectives named the babies — Zeke and Zain. They even helped secure a burial.
“It means something for us. At least they have a resting place. Now we gotta get them justice,” said O’Toole.
It’s two years to the day — since two newborn twins were found dead behind this building in the Bronx. @NYPDnews named the babies Zeke and Zain and buried them last year. The case is still unsolved. Story to come on @NY1 pic.twitter.com/evEVzdzGob
— Clodagh McGowan (@clodaghny1) November 9, 2022
The details of the case are hard to hear. The babies were full-term, just hours old. One died from blunt force trauma to his skull — the other had fractured ribs.
“Dumped back here like garbage,” said O’Toole.
Detectives exhausted all their leads. DNA evidence has been recovered and they believe it identifies the mother. But there’s no matching DNA in their system.
Now, they’re turning to the public once again, asking for help.
“If they heard something, saw something it’s important that they call us. They can remain anonymous and we will investigate any tip,” said NYPD Det. Brianna Constantino.
While the newborns never had any sort of family, a community has rallied around them ensuring their short lives were not in vain.
“We will be here next year and the following and the following. Until kingdom come,” said Rev. Oswald Dennis, of the NY Hispanic Heritage Association.
And for investigators are hopeful closure will come too.
“If you don’t want your baby, walk to a hospital, leave it there. Walk to a precinct, leave it there. Walk to a firehouse, leave it there. So, we really want to know what the circumstances that drove someone to do this,” said O’Toole.
Police are asking anyone who knows anything about the case to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. There is a $10,000 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.