13-year-old shot dead in ‘gang-related shooting’ on Bronx sidewalk

BELMONT, Bronx (WABC) – A 13-year-old teenager was shot and killed in what is known as a ‘gang-related shooting’ while standing outside in the Bronx.

The shooting took place at around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday outside Angels Café at 743 East 187th Street.

Police said Jaryan Elliot was standing with another man when a suspect exited a black vehicle and started shooting.

Elliot was shot in the chest several times. The man with him was not shot. Elliot was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“I heard about eight bullets. And I got out about 10 minutes later and saw the chaos. And it’s a shame that this happens early in the day, people can’t even get out,” Belmont resident Fred Armstrong said.

NYPD department chief Rodney Harrison called it a “gang-related gunshot,” saying the victim was the intended target.

Elliot lived a block from the stage. Outside his building, candles were shining in the form of his initials – JE.

“It’s really fucked up, you know. These kids here with these gang related things. Break hearts. I send my love to their family,” said Luis Medina.

Neighbors in Belmont say they hear more gunshots at all times and it’s easy for kids to mingle with the wrong crowd.

Erica Aviles saw the chaos and thought of her own children, who are older than the victim, claiming she has seen too many teenagers get caught up in gangs.

“I guess they’re just trying to find support outside on the streets when they don’t have it at home,” she said.

Neighbors say this has been a constant problem – a lack of activities for teens to protect them.

Even though shootings and homicides are down slightly this summer compared to the same time last year in the city, the trend last year has been troubling and Governor Cuomo last week declared a state of emergency to combat armed violence. It is a plan that commits millions of dollars to programs targeting at-risk youth.

No arrests were made during the shooting and the investigation is ongoing.

READ ALSO | Missing New Jersey mother found dead in Tennessee, family says

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