14-year-old arrested in shooting that killed Bronx girl due to stray bullet.
A 14-year-old has been apprehended in connection with the tragic fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl outside a school in the Bronx, according to police reports. The incident occurred in Morrisania, near Home Street and Tinton Avenue, where the victim, Evette Jeffrey, was struck by a stray bullet during a chaotic altercation among a group of youths just after 5 p.m. on May 12, 2025.
The teenager is currently in police custody and is being questioned regarding the shooting that unfolded outside the Bronx Career and College Preparatory High School. As of now, no formal charges have been filed against the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age.
The apprehension took place approximately five hours after the incident, involving a special task force that included U.S. Marshals. They located the suspect on Reverend James A. Polite Avenue, roughly six blocks from the scene of the shooting, where he was reportedly hiding.
Police reports indicate that the confrontation began when a male student punched the alleged shooter during the brawl. In retaliation, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm, firing three shots indiscriminately into the crowd. Tragically, one of those bullets hit Jeffrey in the head. Local residents recounted a scene of panic, with children running for safety and bystanders rushing to aid the injured girl. Eyewitness accounts described the chaotic aftermath, with rescuers attempting to save Jeffrey’s life before she succumbed to her injuries.
The victim was reportedly celebrating her one-year anniversary with her boyfriend at the time of the shooting. Community members expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident, highlighting the ongoing challenges of youth violence in urban areas. The Bronx has been facing a troubling rise in incidents involving teenagers, prompting calls for intervention and preventive measures.
Authorities managed to identify the alleged shooter with the assistance of a witness who was present during the shooting. The discovery highlights the crucial role that community cooperation plays in addressing crime, particularly in neighborhoods grappling with violence. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life taken too soon, raising awareness about the consequences of gun violence and the urgent need for preventive strategies in local schools and neighborhoods.
This incident underscores the broader issue of youth violence in New York City, which has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Community leaders advocate for enhanced programs aimed at providing support and safe environments for young people amidst rising tensions and conflicts.
