Bronx, New York – A tragic incident unfolded Monday evening outside a Bronx charter school when a 16-year-old girl was shot in the head amid a chaotic fight among a group of teenagers. The victim, Evette Jeffrey, was riding her scooter innocently when gunfire erupted after a confrontation near the Morrisania school.
Investigators report that Jeffrey was not involved in the skirmish, which began around 5 p.m. outside the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, home to multiple educational institutions. During the altercation, one teenager allegedly produced a firearm and opened fire, reportedly striking Jeffrey as she attempted to leave the scene.
Authorities are actively searching for a 14-year-old boy believed to be responsible for the shooting. Police stated that he fired at least three shots, hitting Jeffrey in the head as she navigated away from the escalating conflict. Eyewitness accounts suggest that she was simply a bystander caught in a dangerous situation.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed her outrage at the senseless violence, stating, “A 16-year-old girl playing in a school yard is now dead.” Security footage reviewed by investigators shows that the incident began with a fistfight, which drew a crowd of youths outside the school building on Home Street. As one of the participants was knocked down, the brawl escalated, leading to the shooting.
Jeffrey’s friend attempted to provide cover during the chaotic moments, but the effort was in vain. Tragically, the girl fell to the ground as other students fled for their safety. Paramedics rushed her to Lincoln Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, visited the scene to offer condolences. Adams emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the environment is secure for young people. He urged parents to take an active role in monitoring their children’s belongings, reminding them of the collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies.
The incident marks the first murder recorded in the 42nd Precinct this year, raising concerns about youth violence in the community. While data indicates a general decline in violent crime across the Bronx, the shooting highlights the ongoing struggle to secure safe spaces for children.
Officials have pledged to increase police presence around schools and address the prevalence of firearms among minors. Questions still loom regarding the suspect’s affiliations and the circumstances that allowed a 14-year-old to wield a gun in the first place. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.