BRONX, N.Y. — A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder in the shooting that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Christopher Redding, a local football talent, and left two other teens injured. The suspect was taken into custody on Saturday in the northwest Bronx, according to police.
The teenager faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Given the suspect’s age, law enforcement has not publicly released his name.
This arrest marks the first development in an investigation into the tragic incident that occurred Wednesday at Broadway and West 238th Street, a location well-frequented by locals. Redding was fatally shot in the back shortly after 5 p.m., following a dispute that began inside a nearby McDonald’s and spilled into the street. According to witnesses, tensions escalated from a confrontation involving a young girl and an older woman.
Emergency responders arrived on-site after receiving a 911 call about multiple gunshots. Redding was found critically injured alongside a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, who were both shot in the legs. Redding was later pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital, while the younger victims remain in stable condition.
Reports indicate Redding had only stepped out to grab food when chaos ensued. His father, Bryan Corley, recounted how his son had attempted to intervene during the altercation that sparked the violence. “Some kids started trouble, words were exchanged, and that’s what happened,” Corley said, describing how Redding tried to help a friend before the shooting broke out.
“It all escalated from a minor incident inside McDonald’s,” Corley added. “As he was walking away with the girl, the kid pulled out a gun and started shooting.”
Three additional suspects believed to be involved in the incident are still at large, prompting police to release surveillance images of several individuals wanted for questioning. Investigators have not yet revealed the exact circumstances that led to the initial conflict.
Authorities are also exploring whether the shooting may have ties to gang activity and are working to determine if Redding was specifically targeted or unintentionally caught in the violence.
Anyone with information about these outstanding suspects is encouraged to reach out to the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.