Jonathan Odenthal arrested for cold-case killing of NYC mom Cindy Diaz

A notorious gang member with an extensive criminal history has been charged in connection with the cold-case murder of a Bronx mother who was tragically killed by a stray bullet eight years ago. Jonathan Odenthal, 31, was already serving time in federal prison for a drug conspiracy conviction when new evidence linked him to the fatal shooting of Cindy Diaz, 48, in January 2017.

Diaz, a mother of four, had gone to pick up food for her children at a McDonald’s when she was struck by gunfire on Boston Road near East Tremont Avenue in West Farms. Despite being rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Her grieving family was left devastated by the senseless act of violence.

Law enforcement sources revealed that Odenthal had a staggering 36 prior arrests before being implicated in Diaz’s murder. The investigation into the case was reignited after an NYPD CrimeStoppers tip led authorities to Odenthal, who was allegedly involved in the shooting.

Another victim, an 18-year-old who had multiple prior arrests, was also injured in the shooting but survived. It is believed that he was the intended target of the attack. Odenthal, along with six other alleged members of the 800 YGz gang, was previously indicted on federal racketeering and conspiracy charges related to drug trafficking and gang violence in the Bronx.

Despite being incarcerated in federal prison until December, Odenthal now faces new murder charges in connection with Diaz’s death. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and Odenthal is awaiting arraignment in Bronx Supreme Court.

At the time of her tragic death, Diaz’s four sons were left without their devoted mother. Her husband and children have not been available for comment, and their former residence has been abandoned and fenced off. The NYPD and the mayor’s office had previously offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in Diaz’s murder.

The senseless killing of Cindy Diaz serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.