BRONX, N.Y. — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 16-year-old girl, who was killed by a stray bullet during a gang-related confrontation outside a Bronx school on Monday evening. The incident, which has shocked the community, unfolded near the Bronx Career and College Preparatory High School on Home Street as students were leaving for the day.
Authorities apprehended the suspect early Tuesday as he attempted to flee from officers near East 163rd Street. The arrest was made by a joint team from the NYPD and U.S. Marshals just a short distance from the shooting scene. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed that the suspect resisted but was quickly taken into custody.
The teenage shooter faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter. His arraignment is expected soon, with law enforcement officials describing the situation as deeply alarming. Mayor Eric Adams commented on the case, revealing that the suspect had allegedly threatened his mother prior to the incident, a distressing detail that highlights the ongoing challenges of youth violence in the city.
Investigators revealed that the shooting stemmed from an earlier altercation between local gangs, Kreep on Davidson (KOD) and Forest Over Everything (FOE). Following a fistfight in which the boy was victorious, he and his friends exited the school grounds when an opponent from a rival group suddenly attacked him. As the suspect fell to the ground, a 13-year-old friend passed him a firearm, leading to the tragic outcome.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the victim, Evette Jeffrey, was not involved in the ongoing dispute. Witnesses stated that she was simply trying to take cover when she was struck in the head by one of the stray rounds. “She was an innocent bystander,” Kenny noted.
Authorities also plan to charge the 13-year-old who passed the gun, further underscoring the complexities of juvenile involvement in such violent incidents. The prompt identification of the shooter was aided by an associate who witnessed the events and provided crucial information to law enforcement.
Residents expressed their grief and disbelief over the tragedy. Julio Reyes, a neighbor, described the chaotic scene moments after the shooting, recalling how children were running and screaming as they sought help for Evette, who succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
The community is mourning a young life lost, as friends and family revealed that Evette was celebrating a milestone anniversary with her boyfriend just hours before the incident. The search for the firearm used in the shooting remains ongoing.
Kenny commended the efforts of the investigative team, recognizing their swift actions that led to an arrest within hours of the shooting. The police chief reiterated the importance of addressing gun violence and the necessity for comprehensive efforts to curb youth involvement in criminal activities.
As the probe continues, community leaders and local officials are appealing for dialogue and action to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. The loss of Evette Jeffrey serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for interventions in addressing gang violence and the safety of young people in urban neighborhoods.