CANARSIE, Brooklyn – The family of Joseph Owusu, a 24‑year‑old Bronx native, is pleading for answers after police identified his body inside a duffel bag left on a sidewalk in Canarsie last Friday. The tragic discovery was made by a passerby searching for scrap metal.
Surveillance footage captured two unknown individuals unloading a large black duffel bag from the trunk of a white sedan, dragging it onto the sidewalk and driving away. The video, released by the NYPD, shows no clear faces, leaving investigators with few leads.
Family’s call for justice
Owusu’s brother, Kojo Yeboah, told reporters that the loss has devastated their family. “I need justice for Joseph. I want the truth to come out because my brother didn’t deserve to die the way he did. He’s only 24. He had a lot of living to do,” Yeboah said.
Yeboah has watched the surveillance video repeatedly, hoping to spot a clue. “I watch it plenty of times. I’ll just let it play just to see for anybody, and I’ll try to send it to friends to see if they know anything,” he explained.
Remembering a devoted son and musician
Joseph was described by his family as a talented musician who served as the organist at their Bronx church. “He loved the church. He loved things of God,” Yeboah said, noting that Joseph’s faith was a cornerstone of his life.
Friends and congregants remembered Joseph’s dedication to music. “He would play for hours and hours and just make sure he didn’t make a mistake,” Yeboah recalled.
In addition to his musical gifts, Joseph worked providing direct support to people with disabilities while studying computer science, embodying a spirit of service and hard work.
Community mourning and hope
The family expressed deep sorrow, especially for their mother, who is struggling to cope. “It’s like you just know he’s not going to come home, open the door, play the piano, be with us,” Yeboah said. “I don’t know how that void will be filled, but I’m trying to stay strong for my mom.”
Local residents have voiced sympathy and urged law enforcement to pursue every lead. The investigation remains ongoing, and the NYPD has asked anyone with information to come forward.
Call to action
As the search for answers continues, the Owusu family asks the community to keep Joseph in their prayers and to help identify the individuals seen in the video. “Justice for Joseph is what we’re after,” Yeboah affirmed.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
