By Tiffany Williams –
St. Albans, NY — On July 17, Audwin Caines, 62, was arraigned on charges including murder, attempted murder, and other crimes related to the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Chaneil Ramsay, on the streets of St. Albans in June 2025. Caines also faces charges stemming from a July 2024 incident in which he allegedly stabbed Ramsay with a broken bottle.
District Attorney Katz stated, “As alleged, a 45-year-old woman was senselessly gunned down on the streets of St. Albans by her estranged husband, as part of an escalating series of violent incidents. This murder shocked the community, and my office will seek justice for the family of Chaneil Ramsay. Intimate partner violence exacts a devastating toll on victims and families. I urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact our 24-hour helpline at 718-286-4410. My office can help with safety planning services, securing an order of protection or shelter placement.”
Caines, who is undomiciled, was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar on charges of murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was also arraigned separately on assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. The judge remanded Caines to custody and ordered him to return to court on July 18. If convicted, Caines faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
According to the charges, on June 23, 2025, at approximately 12:21 p.m., Ramsay’s Jeep Grand Cherokee was parked outside her home at 123-40 Irwin Place. The front passenger window was shattered, and a brick was found inside the vehicle. Earlier that day, Ramsay had received threatening text messages, allegedly from Caines, including a photo of the damaged window.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Caines, armed with a firearm, confronted Ramsay and her 21-year-old daughter as they walked on 176th Street. When the women ran for safety, Caines fired shots in their direction. Taking cover behind a parked vehicle on 127th Street, Ramsay then stood and ran toward Caines to shield her daughter. Caines allegedly shot Ramsay multiple times at close range in the head and body.
Additionally, in an incident on July 1, 2024, Caines allegedly stabbed Ramsay in the chest and elbow with a broken bottle during an argument at their Irwin Place residence. The victim had asked Caines to leave when he reportedly struck her with a bottle of alcohol, knocked her down, and stabbed her with the broken bottle.
Caines was arrested on July 15 near West 142nd Street and Chisum Place in Manhattan.