Bronx, New York — A 14-year-old boy is in police custody following the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl outside a high school in the Bronx. The incident occurred Monday afternoon near the Bronx Career and College Preparatory High School, prompting a swift police response as the community grappled with the shock of the violence.
Authorities reported that the shooting erupted around 5 p.m. as a group of teenagers emerged from the schoolyard. Tensions escalated when one of the youths was punched in the face, allegedly inciting the suspect to retrieve a firearm from a friend. In a subsequent act of aggression, he fired three shots into the crowd, striking Evette Jeffrey in the head.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as students scattered in fear. Julio Reyes, a local contractor who was situated nearby, recounted hearing the gunfire before rushing to assist. “All the kids were running and screaming,” he said. “I ran down and they were pumping her chest. It was a head shot; she was not responding. An officer was shaking her head; the little girl was already gone.”
Despite the rapid police response, which included a dedicated task force with the U.S. Marshals, officers faced initial challenges locating the suspect. He was apprehended about six blocks away from the shooting scene approximately five hours later.
Relatives of the victim revealed that Evette was celebrating her first anniversary with her boyfriend at the time of the incident. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death have left friends and family mourning the loss of a young life cut short.
Authorities have indicated that an associate of the suspect, who witnessed the event, played a crucial role in identifying him. Although police inquiries into the background of the 14-year-old are ongoing, no formal charges have been filed as of yet.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in the area, prompting community leaders and law enforcement to call for increased safety measures in schools and surrounding neighborhoods. Investigations are set to continue as the community seeks answers and justice for Evette Jeffrey.