16-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead in Brooklyn 90 Minutes After Messaging His Mother for Protection

A tragic incident unfolded in Brooklyn when 16-year-old Tyson “TJ” Harps Jr. was fatally shot while visiting friends in the neighborhood. The shooting occurred on Saturday evening at approximately 8:45 p.m. in front of an apartment building located on Eastern Parkway, near Rochester Avenue in Crown Heights. This event took place just 90 minutes after Harps texted his mother, reassuring her of his safety.

The victim, who resided in the Bronx, sought a brief getaway to spend time with his friends, particularly after being kept indoors for Halloween. Harps’ mother, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, recounted that she had asked her son to check in regularly. Their last communication was at 7:21 p.m., when he informed her that he had arrived safely at his destination.

The police report states that Harps was shot in the head, and investigators discovered nine shell casings at the scene, indicating a probable targeted attack. Despite the nature of the incident, there has been no clear motive established by authorities, and it has been confirmed that Harps had no prior criminal record.

Upon receiving the distressing news, Harps’ mother rushed to the scene, where she was met with the heartbreaking sight of her son’s body lying on the ground, covered by a sheet. She described the aftermath of the tragedy as surreal, expressing an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion over the circumstances surrounding her son’s untimely death.

In her grief, she founded a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses associated with her son’s memorial services, highlighting the emotional and financial turmoil families face after such a loss. She reminisced about her son’s character, detailing how he played a nurturing role within the family, often taking care of younger siblings and assuming responsibilities to assist his mother during tough times.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement is actively searching for a masked suspect described as wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants, and white sneakers. The mother has openly expressed her despair, questioning the motivations behind the violent act and urging the community to assist in the investigation.

In a heartfelt plea, she called for anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of such tragedies. The community has since rallied to honor Harps’ memory, with memorials springing up at the shooting site as family and friends grapple with the profound loss.

The incident underscores a broader issue confronting urban communities nationwide, where gun violence continues to claim the lives of young individuals. As authorities investigate, the hope remains that justice will be served for Tyson Harps Jr. and that dialogue about community safety and support will intensify.

For those interested in supporting Harps’ mother during this difficult time, donations can be made through her GoFundMe campaign.