Why was Eddie Palmieri’s wife reportedly shot? Grammy award-winning Jazz pianist was heartbroken after 2010 incident

Eddie Palmieri, the legendary Latin jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, died on August 6, 2025, at his home in New Jersey, following a prolonged illness. He was 88.

His death was confirmed by a statement shared by his family on his Instagram, which mentioned that he, along with his elder brother, Charlie Palmieri, helped “define the sound of Latin music in New York City and beyond, each leaving a distinct legacy.”

The statement added that “he was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Iraida Palmieri.” He lovingly referred to her as ‘Mi Luz Mayor.’ She was “his constant companion and greatest source of strength.”

Iraida died in 2014, according to The New York Times. In March 2010, she sustained a grazed wound to her head when her upstairs neighbor, Maria Cartagena, shot her after becoming frustrated with the noise from her Forest Hills apartment. She was charged with attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession, according to a report in the New York Post.

The incident left a deep impact on Eddie Palmieri.

What did Eddie Palmieri say following the 2010 incident which left his wife injured?

Following the 2010 incident, which resulted in the head injury of his wife, Iraida Palmieri, Eddie Palmieri issued a statement requesting that his family’s privacy be respected. According to the Daily News, he said:

“This is a very difficult time for my family ... Right now, I am focused on one thing: the well-being and safety of my family. That is all there is to say at the moment. Please respect our privacy.”

At that time, Palmieri’s daughter, Gabriela, told the outlet that her mother was “doing well and she’s with her family resting.” According to the report, the 2010 incident happened at 7:40 pm when the elevator in which Iraida Palmieri was riding stopped at the fourth floor and Maria Cartagena confronted her.

Iraida told the police that Cartagena told her to move or she would kill her. Reportedly, she fired the bullet, which went through Iraida’s hat and grazed her head. The gun allegedly belonged to Cartagena’s 60-year-old husband, Rafael, who was charged with reckless endangerment and illegal possession of a weapon.

In 2010, Eddie Palmieri revealed that the death of many of his rumberos, with whom he enjoyed playing, had a deep impact on his life and left him feeling lonely. Palmieri released an album titled Mi Luz Mayor in 2018. It featured 11 tracks, dedicated to his late wife, Iraida, who was the love of his life.

Speaking about his album, he said:

“Music was the constant force that touched our hearts and would heal any wounds that life sent our way. Ultimately, these songs represent our love story."

He added:

"Selecting each composition and writing new music helped me work through my grief after she passed away in 2014. Because this music is in her honor, everything from start to finish had to be of the highest calibre, and I am proud to say that it is just that.”

Eddie Palmieri is survived by his daughters Gabriela, Renee, Eydie and Ileana, and son Edward Palmieri II, and four grandchildren, as per Billboard.

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