A 14-year-old boy, accused of fatally shooting a 16-year-old girl during a fight in a Bronx schoolyard, was ordered to be held in custody after a hospital arrest. The incident took place earlier this week, and the teen, who is facing second-degree murder charges related to the death of Morris High School freshman Evett Jeffrey, appeared in court via video while sitting in a hospital bed, dressed in red pants and a black T-shirt.
This young suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, pleaded not guilty to the charges through his lawyer, Frances White. “The defendant fired multiple shots on school grounds, targeting around 20 students,” said Assistant District Attorney Timothy Collins. “He hit an innocent bystander, a 16-year-old girl, in the head.” Video evidence has been presented, identifying the suspect as the shooter.
Interestingly, despite being only 14, the boy already had a prior assault charge, Collins noted. Judge Gale P. Roberts deemed the charges serious and decided to hold the teenager without bail as part of ensuring he returns for future court appearances.
In addition to the murder charge, he also faces counts of attempted murder, manslaughter, and possession of illegal firearms. He’s set to appear in court again soon.
The shooting occurred during an altercation outside three schools on Home Street in Morisania. Authorities suspect the brawl might be linked to ongoing gang tensions, specifically involving a group known as Davidson Creep, which operates out of a nearby public housing complex.
Family members revealed that Evett had been celebrating her one-year anniversary with her boyfriend at a Chinese restaurant before the incident. Her grandmother expressed her grief, stating, “She passed away here. They just made her come back, but she died here.”
“She’ll be 16 forever,” the grandmother mourned, unable to find forgiveness for the shooter. “Your family should’ve been watching you. Anyone involved in giving you that gun, I will never forgive.”
Authorities are still investigating and searching for a 12-year-old boy believed to be responsible for supplying the weapon to the shooter.
