Bronx, N.Y. — A 14-year-old boy, accused of fatally shooting 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey during a schoolyard dispute, pleaded not guilty in court while appearing virtually from a hospital bed. The defendant, whose identity is protected due to his age, faces serious charges following the tragic incident.
Evette’s grandfather, Ferdinand Abad, expressed the family’s profound grief over the loss. He revealed that they were familiar with the accused, reflecting a shared community in their neighborhood. “My family is hurting. Everyone is suffering because, just like she lost her life, so did he,” Abad lamented.
The ordeal has rekindled calls for urgent action against gun violence. Activists and community leaders, joined by Evette’s mother, gathered outside the Bronx Latin school, urging an end to the escalating cycle of violence that has affected their community. “It’s unacceptable; it’s not normal. We urge everyone to stop shooting and start living. We have resources available,” said Marisol Rivera from the organization Save Our Streets.
Evette’s mother recounted the fateful day when she was celebrating her one-year anniversary with her boyfriend. They had just stopped by the school on their way to a movie when chaos erupted. Eyewitnesses reported that while Evette was riding her scooter, a physical altercation broke out nearby. Investigators revealed that the 14-year-old suspect was initially struck in the face during this altercation. The situation escalated dramatically when he was handed a firearm and began firing into a crowd of approximately 20 students, resulting in Evette being struck by a stray bullet.
A student at Morris High School, Evette had just marked her 16th birthday in April, full of aspirations and youthful energy. Her untimely death not only reflects the tragic loss of a bright future but also highlights the pressing issue of youth violence in urban communities. As her family prepares for her funeral, scheduled for May 17, they are left to grapple with immeasurable heartache and the broader implications of this tragedy.
Community discussions are intensifying around this incident, as many are calling for more proactive measures to ensure safety among students and address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence. Local leaders are emphasizing the need for better conflict resolution programs and accessible mental health resources for youth in their neighborhoods.
The impact of this incident has resonated deeply within the Bronx community, sparking a renewed commitment to fostering safer environments for children and promoting dialogues on the importance of prevention strategies. As Evette’s family mourns, the call for action becomes increasingly urgent to prevent further loss of life in similar circumstances.