A teenager from the Bronx has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a 30-year-old man who was on his way to buy flowers for his mother’s grave on Mother’s Day, according to police reports and family statements.
The 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Monday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Darren Davis, the NYPD announced on Wednesday.
The incident took place around 8:30 PM in the Mott Haven neighborhood, when gunfire was exchanged, injuring a 42-year-old woman near the intersection of Davis and Willis Avenue and 138th Avenue, as reported by law enforcement officials.
Davis was struck in the chest and collapsed outside a bodega, where he had just finished his shift at a smoke shop. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
The woman, who sustained a leg injury, was taken to a hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Both victims were not acquainted with the shooter, and police have yet to determine if Davis was specifically targeted or if he was simply an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Davis’ family expressed their devastation over what they deemed a senseless act of violence. “I don’t – I have no words for it, do you understand? Did you take someone’s life?” said Lachey Davis, a cousin of the victim, addressing the accused. “You actually destroyed our family with this,” she added.
Lachey described Darren as “adorable” and “full of joy and life,” emphasizing that he was always there for others.
Although the suspect is still quite young, she felt relief that he was in custody. “I really have no regrets about a little boy,” Lachey remarked.
Darren’s grandmother, Alfire Davis, 81, expressed gratitude that the suspect was caught. “I’m grateful and I’m happy he’s in custody,” she said, recalling her grandson fondly. “Darren was someone who had no issues with anyone. He was just a beautiful person.”
It remains unclear whether the minor suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, might face further charges for the shooting that injured the female victim.
This arrest highlights a troubling rise in youth-related gang violence in the South Bronx in recent weeks. For instance, on May 12, a 16-year-old boy was shot in the head while riding a scooter near a schoolyard, struck by a stray bullet fired by a 13-year-old. In another incident, just a day later, an 11-year-old boy was injured when a stray bullet from a gang conflict passed through the rear window of the car he was in.
