13-year-old charged with murder for supplying gun used in Bronx girl’s death from stray bullet.

In a tragic incident that highlights the grave issue of gun violence among youth, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested for his role in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl in the Bronx, New York. The shooting occurred on May 12, 2025, when the girl, identified as Evette Jeffrey, was struck by a stray bullet while standing near a school.

During a recent court hearing, the prosecution outlined the boy’s involvement, revealing that he not only supplied a firearm to the teenage shooter, a 14-year-old now in custody, but also attempted to conceal evidence after the shooting. According to Bronx Assistant District Attorney Timothy Collins, security footage captured the younger boy passing the gun to the older teen, who then fired multiple shots in a confrontation that took place on the school grounds at Home Street and Tinton Avenue. One of these errant bullets tragically struck Jeffrey in the head, resulting in her death.

Law enforcement authorities had been searching for the 13-year-old following the shooting, which was reported to be gang-related. The alleged shooter was apprehended the day after the incident, but the 13-year-old evaded capture initially. Prosecutors indicated that the two boys fled the scene together, and when the older teen discarded the gun, the younger boy picked it up and attempted to hide it in his waistband.

The boy’s prior legal encounters include an arrest for menacing with a weapon, which was processed in Family Court. During Monday’s court appearance, where he wore a black hoodie and gray sweatpants, he was ordered held without bail. The charges against him include second-degree murder, manslaughter, possession of a weapon on school grounds, and reckless endangerment. He is considered a flight risk, leading the court to remand him to custody during the proceedings.

The community remains in shock, particularly considering the nature of the violence. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny explained that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation between two local gangs, underscoring the impact of gang rivalries on public safety. Notably, Jeffrey was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire, merely seeking refuge behind a wall when she was struck.

As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about youth violence, gun accessibility, and the broader implications of gang-related activity in urban settings. The legal process will now determine the responsibilities and consequences for those involved, particularly in light of their young ages.