A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot late Sunday in the Bronx, just over an hour after another teen was shot following a moped theft in Queens.
According to reports, the victim was shot in the right thigh around 9 PM at the intersection of Bergen and Brook Avenue in Melrose. He had no prior arrests.
The unidentified teen was rushed to Lincoln Medical Center and listed in stable condition.
Police indicated they couldn’t quickly track the suspect due to the victim’s lack of cooperation. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Earlier that evening, a 19-year-old identified as Jean Rios was shot in the chest at 64th Avenue and Grand Central Parkway in Forest Hills, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at New York Presbyterian Keynes Hospital.
Witnesses reported seeing three suspects dressed in all red fleeing on mopeds.
Although investigations are ongoing, sources revealed the victim in the earlier shooting had past arrests related to drug offenses.
This surge in violence comes shortly after a 13-year-old was shot near a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens.
District Attorney Katz expressed concern over the recent fatalities, stating, “We had two teenage children killed within a week here in Queens County. I felt it was crucial to be present at both scenes.” She emphasized the need to prevent guns from reaching teenagers.
She added, “These are the main crime scenes. I want to ensure I’m observing everything I can.”
The previous week’s fatal incident involved 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel, who was shot in the head outside a coffee shop in Cumbria Heights during a group altercation linked to gang activities, according to NYPD Detective Chief Joseph Kenney.
Sixteen-year-old Jaysohn Sykes, identified as the shooter, is facing charges for second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Recent reports from Mayor Eric Adams indicated that youth crimes in the city have more than doubled since the implementation of the “Raise the Age Law.”
