A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder after a fatal shooting in the Bronx left a 16-year-old girl dead. The incident occurred during a schoolyard fight on Monday, where a 9mm pistol was allegedly handed to the suspect by a 3-year-old. The shooting resulted in the death of Evette Jeffrey, an innocent bystander who was struck in the head by a stray bullet. Authorities have identified the victim and are actively searching for the 3-year-old who allegedly provided the weapon. The suspect was arrested after attempting to flee in a taxi, and faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and attempted murder.
Officers responded to a report of a female shot near Home Street and Tinton Avenue in the Bronx around 5:05 p.m. Monday, according to a police spokesperson. The victim, Evette Jeffrey, was found unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head and was later pronounced dead. Jeffrey was visiting her boyfriend at a school near the site of the shooting, according to FOX 5 New York, which police identified as Bronx Latin Intermediate School No. 158. The incident is believed to be gang-related, and police are also searching for the 12-year-old who allegedly provided the gun to the suspect. The suspect was arrested Tuesday morning as he tried to enter a taxi and initially attempted to flee, according to Kenny.
The teen was charged with two counts each of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count each of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree attempted murder, police confirmed to Fox News Digital. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about gang violence in the Bronx and the potential impact on local communities. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.