CANARSIE, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A Brooklyn family is marking a painful anniversary, one year since 19-year-old Christian Montrose was shot and killed outside his Canarsie home.
For the past year, Amanda Montrose has been trying to piece together a nightmare after her son Christian was gunned down last March. Christian was killed in a drive-by shooting in what police call a case of mistaken identity. Amanda expressed her pain as she worked to keep his memory alive.
“I want my son’s name to live on,” Amanda said. “I want the world to know how these monsters murdered my child for no reason, and I want them to know that my son was my perfect love.”
On the anniversary of his death family, friends, and the community, gathered outside Christian’s home releasing balloons, and laying flowers — not only to remember him but to renew their calls for justice in a case that remains unsolved. His dad, Shawn Montrose, reflected on how family members are coping.
“Sometimes we talk about him,” said Shawn. “We laugh, we cry sometimes together, me and my wife. We talk about the good times and the good things he used to do and so that keeps us going.”
The vigil served as more than just a memorial, but a call to action as Christian’s family pushes for stronger anti-gun violence initiatives. NYPD data shows shootings across the city are down 27 percent compared to the same time last year, but with 111 shootings in 2025, loved ones are hoping to prevent future tragedies.
Despite her grief, Amanda remains hopeful that justice will be served.
“Justice will come,” she said. “We are praying people. We trust God.”
NYPD Detectives tell PIX11 News that no arrests have been made in this case, and the investigation is ongoing. The NYPD is urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.
Meanwhile, loved ones are advocating for East 104th Street, near Avenue K in Canarsie, to be renamed in Christian’s honor, ensuring his memory lives on for years to come.
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