NEWBURGH, NY — A wave of heartbreak and outrage has swept through the city of Newburgh following the tragic death of 11-year-old Matthew DeGroat, who was struck and killed by a stray bullet while playing at home over the weekend. What should have been an ordinary evening for a young boy quickly turned into a nightmare that has left a community mourning and demanding justice.
Authorities say the incident happened late Saturday evening in a residential neighborhood on Newburgh’s south side. According to police, gunfire erupted on the street outside, and one of the bullets pierced a window, fatally striking Matthew as he played inside his family’s living room. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired. Despite desperate attempts by first responders to save him, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigators from the Newburgh Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office have launched a full-scale homicide investigation. Detectives spent hours combing the area for evidence, marking bullet casings and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any details about potential suspects or motives behind the gunfire.
The senseless killing of such a young life has reignited concerns about rising gun violence in Newburgh, a city that has struggled with street crime for years. Residents describe the area where the shooting occurred as a once-peaceful neighborhood now shaken by fear. “This isn’t just about one family,” said one local neighbor. “This is about an entire community that’s tired of living in fear and losing our kids to bullets that aren’t meant for them.”
Community leaders and activists held a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening to honor Matthew’s life. Dozens gathered outside his home, holding candles, balloons, and photos as they shared memories and demanded accountability. The vigil quickly turned into a powerful call for change, with residents urging law enforcement and city officials to take stronger action against gun violence and illegal firearms.
Mayor Torrance Harvey released a statement expressing deep condolences to the DeGroat family and reaffirming the city’s commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. “No child should ever lose their life this way,” the mayor said. “We will not rest until justice is served and our streets are safe for every family in Newburgh.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, community organizations are stepping up to support the grieving family. Local churches have opened their doors for prayer services, while neighbors have started donation drives to assist with funeral expenses. Counselors have also been made available for students at Matthew’s school, where teachers described him as bright, kind-hearted, and full of life.
The Newburgh Police Department continues to urge anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously through the city’s crime hotline or Hudson Valley Crime Stoppers. Detectives believe community cooperation will be key in identifying who fired the shots that ended Matthew’s young life.
For many in Newburgh, the tragedy has become yet another painful reminder of how quickly violence can steal innocence. Residents say they are determined to ensure Matthew’s death is not in vain — that it will serve as a wake-up call to confront the ongoing crisis that has gripped their city for far too long.
As candles flickered along the curb where the shooting happened, one sign stood out among the flowers and stuffed animals: “He was only playing.” Those words, written in a child’s handwriting, captured the heartbreak of an entire city — a city now united in grief, anger, and an urgent demand for justice.
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