Bronx, New York — Authorities are on the hunt for a 12-year-old who allegedly played a pivotal role in a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl at a neighborhood playground. The younger suspect reportedly provided the firearm to a 14-year-old accused shooter just moments before the fatal incident, which unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday.
During the incident, Evette Jeffrey was riding her scooter near a local school when a stray bullet struck her in the head, resulting in her immediate death, according to police sources. The young girl was enjoying life and celebrating her one-year anniversary with her boyfriend at a nearby Chinese buffet just hours before the tragedy.
The fatal confrontation is believed to have stemmed from tensions between two rival gangs: Forest Over Everything and a newer group known as Kreep On Davidson, which is based at the Davidson Houses housing project in the Morrisania neighborhood. Details remain unclear regarding the gang affiliation of the accused shooter.
The 14-year-old suspect was apprehended by NYPD officers and a U.S. Marshals task force Tuesday morning as he attempted to enter a taxi on Rev. James A. Polite Avenue. Law enforcement is now focusing on tracing the involvement of the younger accomplice in the deadly altercation.
Evette’s family has expressed their deep sorrow and outrage over the senseless violence. Her grandmother spoke emotionally about the situation, stating, “I don’t forgive. I hold your family responsible because they should be watching you.” She added a stern message to anyone involved, saying, “Whoever handed you [the gun] or had it, I will never forgive you.”
As the investigation continues, community members are left reeling from the incident, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures in an area deeply affected by gang violence. Local leaders are calling for greater support to address these underlying issues and to prevent further tragedies.
This remains a developing story, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in their ongoing investigation.