Queens Man Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Estranged Wife While She Shielded Daughter

Audwin Caines has been charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and other charges related to the shooting

A Queens man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after allegedly fatally shooting his estranged wife in broad daylight as she attempted to protect her daughter, officials announced Friday.

According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, 62-year-old Audwin Caines is accused of killing 45-year-old Chaneil Ramsay during a violent confrontation on June 23. Ramsay was walking down the street in Queens with her 21-year-old daughter when Caines allegedly approached and opened fire.

Authorities said earlier that afternoon, Caines had sent Ramsay a photo showing the shattered passenger-side window of her vehicle, apparently damaged by a brick. Roughly two hours later, he allegedly confronted Ramsay and her daughter on the street, prompting them to flee. As Caines began shooting, the two women took cover behind a parked car.

In a desperate attempt to save her daughter, Ramsay reportedly stood up and charged toward Caines. Prosecutors say he fired at point-blank range, striking Ramsay in the head and body. She died at the scene.

Prosecutors also revealed that this was not the first incident of violence. On July 1, 2024, Caines allegedly attacked Ramsay during an argument, hitting her in the head with a bottle before breaking it and stabbing her in the chest after she asked him to leave their home.

Caines has been charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

The investigation into the fatal domestic violence incident remains ongoing.