Police release images of suspect in shooting death of Brooklyn teenager.
In a tragic incident that has left a community grappling with grief, detectives have released images of the masked gunman responsible for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Tyson “TJ” Harps Jr. in Brooklyn. The attack occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, approximately 90 minutes after the victim had assured his mother that he was safe. The shooting took place around 8:45 p.m. in front of an apartment building located on Eastern Parkway near Rochester Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood.
Witness reports indicate that the assailant, who was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and a mask, approached the victim and opened fire, shooting Harps in the head and body. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Harps, a Bronx resident, had been visiting friends in Brooklyn when the incident unfolded. His mother had requested that he check in with her every hour, a promise he had kept until he texted her just before the shooting.
In the weeks following this harrowing event, Harps’ family has expressed their devastation at the loss. The victim’s mother, who chose to remain unnamed out of concern for her family’s safety, described the overwhelming sorrow she feels, stating that her grief has left her feeling as though her soul has been torn away. She detailed the mother-son communication leading up to the tragedy, highlighting a normal exchange that abruptly turned into an unimaginable nightmare.
As investigations continue, law enforcement has recovered nine shell casings from the crime scene and has identified surveillance footage showing the suspect before the attack, shedding light on the individual’s appearance. He is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slim build. At the time of the shooting, he was last seen wearing a hat, grey hooded sweatshirt, black jacket, grey sweatpants, and black sneakers.
Despite an overall decline in violent crime across New York City—murders have decreased by 19% compared to the previous year—this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles many neighborhoods face regarding gun violence. In a concerning juxtaposition, while the increase in safety measures shows promise, individual tragedies like Harps’ shooting continue to reverberate through communities.
The bereaved mother has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help fund memorial services for her son. She expressed her anguish regarding the uncertainties surrounding funeral arrangements and the emotional toll of planning such an event without prior discussion with her son.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting or the suspect’s identity to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All tips will be kept confidential as the community seeks justice for a young life lost far too soon.
