NEWBURGH, NY – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for murder following the tragic death of an 11-year-old child who was shot while allegedly playing with a gun inside a home in Newburgh, New York, on Thursday morning.
The Tragic Incident
The shooting took place at a residence on North Miller Street around 8 a.m. on Thursday. Law enforcement sources reported that the 11-year-old was playing with the firearm inside the home when the gun accidentally discharged, striking the child in the head. The frantic 911 call made by the boy’s mother has been described as horrific.
Despite efforts to save the child, he did not survive the injuries sustained from the gunshot wound.
Investigation and Arrest
After the shooting, the Newburgh Police responded to the scene around 8:15 a.m. Thursday, where they found the child’s body. The Newburgh Police Detective Division and the Non-Fatal Shooting Task Force launched an immediate investigation, recovering the firearm used in the shooting.
By Friday, authorities had identified and located three minors of interest in the case. Within 12 hours of the shooting, a 13-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The young boy is not related to the child who was killed, according to a statement from the City of Newburgh.
Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting
Initially, law enforcement was looking into whether the gun involved in the incident had been brought into the home by the older brother of the victim, who appeared to be between 12 and 14 years old. It remains unclear whether this theory is still being pursued.
The City of Newburgh did not release further details on whether the older brother had any involvement in the incident.
Community’s Emotional Response
The emotional toll of the incident has reverberated through the community. Jerrod Land, a local coffee shop owner who knew the 13-year-old suspect, expressed his grief, saying, “I dealt with this kid. My manager called me and he couldn’t even talk to me cause he started crying.” Land believes that the youth in the area need more support to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
The victim’s name has not yet been released, and the medical examiner’s office will determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident involving young children and a firearm? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss how communities can better support young people to prevent future tragedies.
