Suspect in stray-bullet murder of Bronx teen held on murder charge.
A 14-year-old boy, charged with the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey outside a Bronx school, has been ordered to remain in custody without bail. The arraignment took place on Thursday via video link as the suspect was hospitalized and under suicide watch. During the court appearance, the boy, dressed in red pants and a black-and-red shirt, faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, and weapons possession.
The shooting incident occurred on Monday afternoon near the Bronx Career and College Preparatory High School, located at Home Street and Tinton Avenue. Prosecutors reported that the alleged teenage gunman opened fire into a gathering of approximately 20 individuals after being struck in the face by a rival gang member. Evette Jeffrey, who was an innocent bystander, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The assistant district attorney, Timothy Collins, revealed that the suspect has a prior criminal history, including charges related to assault and menacing involving a weapon. In a concerning detail shared by Mayor Eric Adams, it was noted that the boy had previously threatened his own mother with a firearm.
The emotional impact of this incident was palpable in the courtroom, where Evette’s family and friends wept as they attended the proceedings. Evette’s mother, visibly distraught, chose not to speak with the media following the hearing.
Reports indicate that the 14-year-old was involved in an altercation linked to local street gangs, specifically KOD (Kreep on Davidson) and FOE (Forest Over Everything). Following the altercation, the youth was apprehended by law enforcement officials just blocks from the shooting scene, thanks to a collaboration between the NYPD and U.S. marshals. Authorities further noted that after his arrest, the teenager exhibited suicidal tendencies, leading to his hospitalization for a psychiatric evaluation.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Evette was casually riding a kick scooter outside the school when the altercation unfolded. She reportedly moved closer to the crowd to get a better view of the situation, at which point she was fatally struck by a stray bullet while attempting to evade danger. Evette’s grandmother publicly expressed her desire for the fullest extent of the law to be applied to the suspect, lamenting the loss of her granddaughter.
Law enforcement is currently working to locate a 13-year-old accomplice who reportedly passed the firearm to the gunman during the incident. As investigations continue, officials are grappling with the broader implications of youth violence and its impact on the community.
It is a grim reminder of the challenges faced in urban environments, raising urgent questions about safety in schools and the involvement of young individuals in violent confrontations. The case continues to unfold as family members seek justice for Evette Jeffrey and the community grapples with the fallout.
Media News Source
