The shooting took place in Queens, N.Y., on April 16
A 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in front of onlookers at a playground in New York City — and the search for the gunman continues days later.
Jaden Pierre was shot and killed at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens at 6:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 16, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) said.
The teenager suffered a gunshot wound to the chest during a fight on a basketball court. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition and later died there, CBS News reported, citing police.
The NYPD released photos of a young man they believe to be the suspect in the shooting. He can be seen in the images with short dreadlocks, wearing a light gray printed tracksuit and a black backpack.
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The suspect police believe shot Jaden Pierre.
DCPI
Footage of the incident that was shared on X by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams shows a group of teenagers allegedly attacking Pierre at the playground.
An individual then allegedly shoots him in the chest at point-blank range, and the teen can be seen falling backwards.
One witness told CBS News, “I came over here, I heard a shot go off, so I came running over here to make sure everybody was okay, especially my friends, and I saw a kid lying dead.”
“And I know him from coming over here to play basketball. Good basketball player, cool kid,” the eyewitness added.
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Police at the park where Jaden Pierre was shot.
ABC7NY
New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement on X, “My heart is heavy tonight after we lost a 15-year-old to a senseless act of gun violence.”
She added, “I’m praying for his family, loved ones, and community. I will continue to work tirelessly every day to end gun violence in New York.”