13-year-old arrested for murder of man hit by stray bullet in the Bronx in April.
A 13-year-old boy has been apprehended in connection with the tragic shooting death of 28-year-old Daoud “David” Marji, who was struck by a stray bullet while visiting a Bronx convenience store where he once worked. The incident occurred on April 23, and the arrest was made public by law enforcement officials on Wednesday.
The juvenile suspect turned himself in on Tuesday and now faces multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal use of a firearm. Due to his age, his identity has not been disclosed. Marji was reportedly returning to Unk Candy and Grocery on University Avenue near West Kingsbridge Road from his vehicle, where he had gone to retrieve a vape pen, at approximately 4:55 p.m. when he was shot in the head. Surveillance footage captured the moment just before Marji collapsed outside the store.
In addition to Marji, a second victim, 33-year-old Tania Tubon, was also injured during the incident when she was struck by a bullet while walking home with her two sons, aged 10 and 14. Tubon was shot in the hip and managed to seek treatment at Woodhull Hospital, where she was released shortly thereafter.
The shooting is believed to have originated from a group of individuals, including the young suspect and three accomplices who fled the scene in a gray Honda Civic. As of now, the accomplices remain at large. Tubon expressed her fear of the increasing violence in the city, highlighting the precariousness of urban living for families such as hers.
Following the shooting, medics transported Marji to St. Barnabas Hospital, but he did not survive. His father, Saed Marji, rushed to the hospital only to find that his son had already succumbed to his injuries. Local community members lamented the impact of the shooting, noting the devastating effect on Marji’s family. Reports indicate Marji was known for his work as a plumber, as well as for assisting at a family-run smoke shop.
The rise in youth-related gun violence has become a worrying trend in New York City. Just two weeks prior to Marji’s death, two other teenage suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting of 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey in the Bronx. This incident was reportedly linked to gang violence, underscoring the broader societal issue of youth involvement in crime.
Statistics show that 28 children under 18 have been victims of gun violence in the city this year alone, with law enforcement authorities emphasizing the dire need for intervention to prevent further tragedies. As city officials address this critical public safety concern, many hope for effective measures to stop the cycle of violence that continues to claim young lives.
Media News Source
