A 14-year-old boy reportedly thinks that police supplied the weapons that ended the life of a 16-year-old girl in a Bronx garden last week.
This follows the tragic shooting of Ebbett Jeffrey, a freshman at Morris High School, on May 12. Sources indicate that he was taken into custody by the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force at a family friend’s apartment in a wooded area in Nicha.
Another 14-year-old is also involved, with accusations pending against him linked to the charge of a senseless murder.
The initial suspect, who was hospitalized last week, faced a judge and is now charged with second-degree murder, according to prosecutors.
He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail.
Assistant District Attorney Timothy Collins reported that “the defendant fired multiple shots on school property, targeting about 20 students.” Tragically, an innocent bystander, Ebbett Jeffrey, was struck in the head. This incident was recorded on video, and the defendant has been identified as the shooter.
The weapon allegedly used was a semi-automatic pistol during an altercation outside an address on Home Street near Morisania, an area with three schools, including Dr. Richard Izkield’s charter school for health and science, Bronx Latin, and Bronx Career and University Prep School.
Authorities suspect that a conflict between street gangs triggered the violence. Detectives believe it involved members of two gangs: the Forest of All Crew and Davidson’s Creep, which operates in the Davidson House Public Housing Complex.
Detective Joseph Kenney stated, “Evett Jeffrey wasn’t part of the feud. She was simply trying to take cover behind a brick wall when she was hit by a bullet.”
Relatives of Evett shared that she had gone to a playground to celebrate an anniversary at a nearby restaurant with her 16-year-old boyfriend.
“She was 16 years old forever,” her grandmother expressed heartbreakingly. “That’s it.”
Evett’s grandmother has been struggling to forgive the young individuals involved in this tragic act of violence. “I can’t forgive you,” she cried. “It’s your family’s responsibility to keep you in check. Anyone who handed you that gun or had any part in this… I will never forgive you.”
