14-year-old Shot Dead by Cousin in New York; Concerns Raised after Rising Youth Violence
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning at a Brooklyn public housing project, where a 14-year-old boy, who happened to be the son of a firefighter, was fatally shot by his younger cousin, according to police and sources.
An unidentified victim was discovered with a gunshot wound to the chest following a 911 call at the Howard Houses in Brownsville, according to the NYPD.
A teenager was quickly taken to Brookdale Hospital, where authorities declared him deceased, according to police.
A suspect, who is believed to be the boy’s 12-year-old cousin, has been taken into custody. Law-enforcement sources have reported that a shotgun, believed to be the weapon involved, has been recovered.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the source of the firearm used by the children, including its ownership and legal acquisition.
According to sources, the father of the 14-year-old boy, who is a firefighter, was on vacation when the tragedy occurred.
There has been a rise in violence targeting teenagers in New York City in recent months, with a particularly violent week last month resulting in the tragic deaths of two young individuals and injuries to six others.
According to an NYPD supervisor, there has been a significant increase in the involvement of minors in gun arrests. In 2021, about one-quarter of youths arrested with guns went on to be involved in a shooting within two years.
