Brooklyn Mother of Five Dies After Being Caught in Street Shooting

NEW YORK — A Brooklyn mother of five was killed early Sunday after she was caught in a shooting outside a Crown Heights bar, according to police and sources.

Sofronie Hartzog, 33, was among two people struck during a large street altercation near the Ooh La La Lounge around 2:23 a.m. in the area of Bergen Street and Howard Avenue, according to the NYPD. Authorities said a crowd of roughly 100 people had gathered when gunfire erupted.

Hartzog was not believed to have been the intended target.

Mother of Five Was Seeking Help

According to police and sources, Hartzog was struck in the back during the shooting.

She managed to run inside the nearby bar seeking assistance before collapsing in a restroom. Emergency medical workers transported her to One Brooklyn Health–One Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, but doctors were unable to save her.

A 34-year-old man was also wounded during the shooting. He was taken to Kings County Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.

Police Searching for Those Responsible

Investigators have not yet determined what started the confrontation or identified the person who fired the fatal shot.

Two men who initially matched descriptions of possible suspects were taken into custody, but police later released them after determining they were not involved, according to sources.

The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify the shooter or shooters.

Family Remembers a Devoted Mother

Hartzog’s death has devastated her family and neighbors, who remembered her as a loving mother devoted to her five children.

Her aunt, Melinda Hartzog, described her niece as an exceptionally caring person.

A neighbor also remembered seeing Hartzog with her children and said they were often together and appeared happy.

The tragedy has left Hartzog’s five children without their mother, while investigators continue searching for answers about the shooting that claimed her life.

Community Left Shaken

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by gunfire during large street disputes, particularly when people who have no connection to a confrontation can become victims.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with Hartzog’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing