Seventeen-year-old girl injured by stray bullet during Bronx park mass shooting, had close ties to the suspect involved.

A tragic incident unfolded in Haffen Park, Bronx, over the weekend, resulting in a mass shooting that left multiple individuals injured, including 17-year-old Anthonaya Campbell, who is currently in critical condition. The young girl was struck by a stray bullet while attending a basketball tournament, a community event aimed at giving back by providing free school supplies to local children. Compounding the tragedy, Campbell is reported to be a close friend of Robert Royal, one of the suspects arrested in connection with the shooting.

As of Tuesday, Campbell remains hospitalized at Jacobi Medical Center with a bullet lodged behind her eye. Meanwhile, Royal, alongside three other suspects, faces serious charges, including murder and attempted murder. Witnesses and investigative sources indicated that approximately 50 rounds were fired from close range into a crowd, with police still piecing together the circumstances leading to the violence.

The shooting resulted in the death of Jaceil Blanks, 32, a hospital worker and aspiring rapper known artistically as “Killy.” Family members suggest he may not have been the intended target, as authorities investigate whether the gunfire was directed at him or indiscriminately aimed at the crowd. Blanks had celebrated a birthday just prior to the tragic event and was noted for his joyful spirit, often sharing glimpses of his life through social media.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive for the shooting remains unclear, and police believe it may be gang-related, as cooperation from witnesses has been limited. Authorities recovered at least five firearms from the scene, with one suspect observed discarding a weapon.

The shooting occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. as the basketball game was concluding. Anthonaya Campbell was in the area to celebrate her birthday with family, having relocated to Connecticut five years ago. Her mother has expressed concerns about the lack of security presence at the event, which she believes contributed to the incident’s severity.

Royal and his associates, Daeven Reyes, 20, along with two minors, were apprehended soon after the incident. Both Royal and Reyes were denied bail after their arraignment on multiple charges. Royal’s mother maintains his innocence, highlighting his involvement in the basketball tournament as a volunteer.

As the community mourns the losses and prays for the recovery of the injured, a memorial for Blanks has been established near his childhood home. Friends and family members have expressed outrage and grief over the violence that claimed not only a life but also a promising future. Meanwhile, three additional victims from the shooting are reported to be recovering in nearby hospitals, with their conditions stable.

The aftermath of this tragic event has raised questions regarding public safety measures at community gatherings, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to deter future violence. As investigations continue, community leaders and families await justice while grappling with the repercussions of the gun violence that has marred their neighborhood.

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