Teenager arrested for fatal shooting of man using walker in the Bronx due to stray bullet.
An 18-year-old male, identified as Brandon Sullivan, has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred four months ago in the Bronx, New York. The shooting, which took place on May 18, 2025, involved the tragic death of 57-year-old Kevin Jennings, who was struck by a stray bullet while pushing a walker. A 34-year-old woman, also an innocent bystander, was wounded in the leg during the incident, underscoring the random nature of gun violence affecting the community.
Sullivan was apprehended by NYPD detectives on Wednesday afternoon after a thorough investigation linked him to the shooting incident on East 188th Street near Marion Avenue in the Fordham neighborhood. At approximately 6:45 p.m. on the day of the shooting, Sullivan was reported to have opened fire on a group of about ten individuals. However, he missed his intended targets, leading to the tragic wounding of Jennings and the nearby woman, both of whom were not involved in the confrontation.
First responders transported both victims to St. Barnabas Hospital, but Jennings succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Family members described the devastation caused by his death, noting that Jennings, who often worked odd jobs, was merely trying to navigate his way home when he was shot. Surveillance footage released by the police shortly after the incident helped identify Sullivan, although specific details regarding how he was ultimately linked to the crime remain unpublished.
Detectives charged Sullivan with multiple offenses, including murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. His arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court is anticipated to occur soon. This incident becomes part of a concerning pattern of violence in the Bronx, where shootings have recently surged, particularly involving innocent bystanders.
This particular shooting marks the second such incident in the borough within a week; on May 12, another tragic event saw 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey struck fatally in a similar act of random gunfire. Reports indicate that the Bronx has experienced more shootings this year than all other boroughs combined, with an alarming total of 69 murders, accounting for one-third of the city’s total homicides.
In response to this rising tide of violence, Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to deploy over 1,000 additional police officers to the Bronx in an effort to combat crime in the area. Despite the challenges, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has reported a 20% decrease in shootings in the Bronx for August compared to the previous year, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing concerns regarding public safety.
As community leaders and law enforcement agencies grapple with these alarming statistics, calls for increased measures to reduce gun violence remain a priority. The tragic fate of individuals like Kevin Jennings serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to the persistent issue of gun violence in urban neighborhoods.
