Teen girl visiting Bronx neighborhood suffers head injury from stray bullet during mass shooting incident.

An alarming incident occurred in the Baychester neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, where a 17-year-old girl, Anthonaya Campbell, is currently in critical condition after being struck by a stray bullet during a mass shooting. The shooting took place on Saturday night at approximately 7:25 p.m. in Haffen Park, where Campbell was an innocent bystander watching a community basketball tournament to celebrate her return to her former neighborhood. Tragically, this event coincided with her mother’s graduation ceremony earlier that day, where Jennifer Talbot received her Ph.D. in psychology.

The sudden violence of the shooting resulted in one fatality, with 32-year-old Jaceil Banks succumbing to injuries sustained in the attack. In addition to Campbell, three other individuals were wounded, comprising a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman who were both shot in the back, and a 42-year-old man who suffered an injury to his arm. All three are reported to be in stable condition and were transported to Jacobi Medical Center and Montefiore Medical Center for treatment.

Anthonaya Campbell, who had been set to begin her senior year of high school in Hartford, Connecticut, is currently hospitalized with a bullet lodged in her head. Her aunt, Elizabeth Gardener, expressed her anguish over the situation, highlighting the devastating contrast between the family’s celebration of academic achievement and the ensuing tragedy. Campbell had recently celebrated her 17th birthday on August 8 and was visiting the Bronx to spend time with family and friends.

The shooting incident took place during a basketball tournament involving community members, where the first 100 attendees were promised free back-to-school supplies. Organizers had hoped the event would foster a sense of unity and support among local residents. Unfortunately, the event was marred by violence, prompting a significant police response.

In the aftermath, law enforcement has apprehended four suspects in connection with the shooting, although no formal charges have yet been filed as the investigation continues. The Bronx has experienced a troubling uptick in gun violence and homicides in recent months, particularly in the 47th Precinct encompassing Haffen Park. Despite a citywide decline in crime rates, the precinct has reported a noticeable rise in violence.

The callous nature of this incident has left the community in shock, as families continue to grapple with the implications of gun violence on their safety. As Anthonaya Campbell battles for her life, the event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address rising gun-related incidents in urban areas. The family remains hopeful as Anthonaya’s medical team considers further treatment options, including a potential blood transfusion.