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Yonkers Police Say More Arrests May Follow In Bakery Employee's Murder

Updated 9:30 a.m. Wednesday

Rodney Saunders sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found near 220 Woodworth Avenue on May 1.

Rodney Saunders sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found near 220 Woodworth Avenue on May 1.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Two Yonkers men have been arrested and charged in connection to last week's shooting death of a 23-year-old male Yonkers resident, police said.

Brian Espita, 22, and William Aguilar, 23, both Yonkers residents, were charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of Rodney Saunders, according to police officials. Both are in custody at Westchester County Jail. 

Rodney Saunders sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found near 220 Woodworth Avenue on May 1. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said in a previous Daily Voice report.

Yonkers police spokesman Lt. Patrick McCormack said while it hasn't been officially determined that the incident was gang-related, more arrests may follow.

Additionally, mugshots of Espita and Aguilar will not be released at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing. 

Saunders' funeral is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Kingdom Baptist Church at 68 Palisade Ave. in Yonkers. 

The victim's place of employment, Greyston Bakery, released a statement shortly following his death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Saunders. Rodney was a dedicated employee with a promising future," the statement read. "For the last two years, this young man came to the bakery every day, ready to work – to make a future for himself. We express our deepest sympathies to Rodney’s family and loved ones. The bakery won’t be the same without him."

Check back with Daily Voice for more information.

@suzannesamin

ssamin@dailyvoice.com

Nathan Bruttell contributed to this report. 

 

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