Police were called to the area of 948 Maple Ave in Schenectady around 2 this morning for multiple shots fired. They found 24-year-old Ganesh Ramgoolam of Schenectady, shot five times in his upper body, including his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tonight Schenectady's Detective Division and the New York State Police Major Crimes Unit are investigating the city's first homicide this year. Neighbors are shocked, and upset it happened outside their homes.
"It makes me angry. I shouldn't have to be afraid," said Kevin Gallagher, who lives on Maple Ave.
It was a mix of anger, shock and fear that lined his street in Schenectady today, hours after gun shot's rung out.
"It sounded like firecrackers and my dogs went crazy and barked," said Ann Calabro, another neighbor.
Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 2 this morning.
"Upon their arrival they observed a 24-year-old Guyanese male shot more than once in the head," said Sgt. Luciano Savoia, with Schenectady Police.
He said that the victim was a passenger in a car. He was outside that car when he was shot. By who, when and why, police are still investigating, but Sgt. Savoia said that they have that car in custody.
"I looked out and saw all the police and they were like picking up shell casings off the ground and they had to tape off here and down there," said Lloyd Morris who lives on that street.
Neighbors said it was an active scene for hours.
"When I came out this morning to get my paper I saw the road tied off and them washing blood off the street and stuff," said Gallagher.
All day police were interviewing witnesses and neighbors, looking into reports of another vehicle fleeing the scene. Police said that this neighborhood isn't a problem area, and that they are not aware of any drug issues here. But neighbors said that they think drugs are to blame for this death.
"I've seen drug bags on the street, I haven't been able to tell where anything is happening yet but we keep our eyes out," said Calabro.
No weapon has been recovered, and no suspect is in custody at this time. If you have information you're urged to call the tip line 788-6566.
