Morrisania, Bronx – May 12, 2025 – A tragic scene unfolded Monday evening in the Bronx as 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey was fatally shot in the head in what authorities are calling a senseless act of violence. The incident occurred in the Morrisania neighborhood, near the intersection of Home Street and Tinton Avenue, just after 5:00 p.m.
According to the New York Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:05 p.m. and arrived to find the teenager lying on the ground, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS personnel quickly transported her to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where she was sadly pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Evette Jeffrey, a student and reportedly well-liked in her community, now becomes another young life lost to the city’s persistent gun violence. Her death marks a heartbreaking moment for her family, friends, and neighbors, many of whom gathered near the crime scene in stunned silence, placing flowers and candles in her memory as police tape flapped in the early evening breeze.
Crime scene investigators recovered several shell casings at the location, signaling that multiple shots may have been fired. However, no arrests have been made as of yet, and detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and surveillance footage that could help identify a suspect or motive.
In a somber address to the press, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stood near the scene of the crime, expressing condolences to the family and condemning the ongoing epidemic of youth violence.
“This is not just another statistic,” Mayor Adams said. “Evette was someone’s daughter, a part of our future. We must come together as a city to stop this cycle of violence and protect our children.”
Commissioner Tisch reiterated the NYPD’s commitment to solving the case. “We will not rest until we bring the person or persons responsible for this horrific act to justice. We are urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.”
The shooting has sparked outrage and grief throughout the Bronx community, where residents say gunfire has become an all-too-familiar sound. Activists and community leaders are calling for increased resources for youth programs, mental health support, and violence prevention strategies.
“Evette should have been planning her future, not being remembered in a memorial,” said a local youth mentor. “We need more than just words—we need action. We need safe spaces, mentorship, and investment in our kids.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
As the investigation unfolds, the city mourns a life lost far too soon. A vigil for Evette Jeffrey is being planned by community members for later this week, as her loved ones seek justice and a measure of peace amid the sorrow.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.