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The Tragic Case Of Linda And Heaven Ross: A Look At The Enduring Community Memory

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The tragic story of Linda Manigault and her daughter, Heaven Ross, continues to resonate in the hearts of the Bronx community, even years after the devastating events of 2019. The case, which authorities investigated as a double homicide and attempted murder-suicide, shook the Belmont neighborhood and highlighted the critical issue of domestic violence. As of December 23, 2025, the memory of the mother and daughter remains a powerful symbol for community members dedicated to raising awareness and preventing future tragedies.

This article provides a comprehensive, factual look at the lives of Linda and Heaven, the shocking details of the incident, the immediate community response, and the enduring impact of their loss on New York City, ensuring all details are handled with the utmost respect and sensitivity.

Biographical Profile: Linda Manigault and Heaven Ross

The lives of Linda and Heaven were tragically cut short, but their memory is preserved through the accounts of family, friends, and neighbors who knew them best. The following is a detailed profile of the mother and daughter at the center of this devastating case.

  • Linda Manigault (Victim)
    • Age at Death: 34 years old.
    • Residence: An apartment on Belmont Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York.
    • Relationship: Mother to Heaven Ross and in a relationship with Ezort Stevens, the alleged perpetrator.
    • Community Role: Described by neighbors and friends as a loving mother and a valued member of her community.
  • Heaven Ross (Victim)
    • Age at Death: 10 years old.
    • Residence: Resided with her mother, Linda Manigault, in the Belmont apartment.
    • School/Life: A fourth-grade student, Heaven was remembered as a bright and energetic child.
    • Cause of Death: Police reports indicated she died from strangulation.
  • Ezort Stevens (Alleged Perpetrator)
    • Age at Incident: 32 years old.
    • Relationship: Linda Manigault's boyfriend and Heaven Ross's stepfather/mother's partner.
    • Status: Arrested and charged with double homicide and criminal possession of a firearm following the incident. He was found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a suicide attempt.

The Devastating Events of June 2019: A Double Homicide in the Bronx

The incident that claimed the lives of Linda Manigault and Heaven Ross occurred on a Saturday afternoon in June 2019, shattering the peace of the Belmont community. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded to a call at the family's residence on Belmont Avenue.

Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of Linda Manigault, 34, and her daughter, Heaven Ross, 10, inside the apartment. The initial investigation quickly classified the case as a double homicide.

The victims' cause of death was determined to be strangulation. The tragic nature of the crime was compounded by the discovery of the alleged perpetrator, Ezort Stevens, at the scene.

Stevens, the mother's boyfriend, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, suggesting a possible murder-suicide attempt. He was immediately taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment.

Following his treatment, Ezort Stevens was arrested and formally charged by the NYPD. The charges included double homicide and two counts of criminal possession of a firearm, with the investigation continuing into the specifics of the tragic event.

Community Response and the Enduring Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness

The news of the mother and daughter's deaths sent a wave of shock and grief through the close-knit Belmont and Tremont neighborhoods. The immediate aftermath saw an outpouring of support, with family and friends organizing powerful vigils and memorials to honor Linda and Heaven.

Neighbors gathered at the scene, placing candles, flowers, and stuffed animals to create a makeshift memorial that served as a focal point for collective mourning. The community's reaction was one of disbelief and profound sadness, with many expressing anger at the alleged perpetrator, labeling him a "coward" for the heinous act.

The tragedy quickly became a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) that often hide behind closed doors. The vigils were not only a space for remembrance but also a call to action, urging others to recognize the warning signs of abuse and to seek help.

The enduring memory of Linda and Heaven has helped fuel ongoing local efforts to support victims of domestic violence in the Bronx. Their story is frequently referenced by local advocates who work to ensure that resources are available to those in danger, transforming a moment of profound loss into a catalyst for community resilience and safety.

The Long-Term Impact and the Search for Justice

While the initial incident and arrest occurred in 2019, the legal and emotional ripple effects continue to be felt. The case remains a significant point of reference in discussions about family violence and the need for stronger community support systems.

The investigation by the NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office focused on gathering evidence to secure a conviction against Ezort Stevens. Although details on the final legal status of Stevens are not widely publicized in recent years, the initial charges of double homicide underscore the severity of the crime and the determination of the authorities to seek justice for the victims.

The mother-daughter bond shared by Linda and Heaven is the central, heartbreaking element of this case. Their story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that domestic violence is not just a private matter but a public health and safety crisis that demands constant vigilance and intervention from all levels of the community.

For those who knew Linda Manigault and Heaven Ross, the memorial efforts and community events held on anniversaries are crucial for healing and ensuring the victims are remembered not for how they died, but for the lives they lived—a loving mother and her bright, 10-year-old daughter.

The ongoing conversation surrounding this tragedy ensures that the entities involved—including the NYPD, the local government, and domestic violence organizations—continue to face scrutiny and are pushed to improve their response mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals in the Bronx and beyond.

The Tragic Case of Linda and Heaven Ross: A Look at the Enduring Community Memory
linda and heaven ross
linda and heaven ross

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