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Arrest Made In Killing Of 92-Year-Old Bronx Woman
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 22, 2009
Modified Oct 22, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 22, 2009
Modified Oct 22, 2009
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The police announced that an 18-year-old was arrested in connection to the death of a 92-year-old woman in her Bronx home. Sadie Mitchell was apparently struck by a stray bullet on Tuesday evening, when a shot was fired during a fight between two groups of youths. Witnesses told cops that Jamal Blair, 18, was the shooter and he allegedly confessed. A source tells the Daily News, "He told cops he thought he was shooting up in the air. The lady was 15 feet [above ground] in her home when the bullet hit."
A Post source states, "He was standing there as though the ruckus was bugging him, and he figured firing a shot would stop the fighting." Blair also allegedly "expressed remorse" over Mitchell's death. Mitchell had been getting ready to watch TV and the bullet went through her room window, hitting her in the hip and then traveling to her lungs. Though she managed to call a friend, Mitchell died at the hospital.
According to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, the two rival gangs had fought earlier in the day and the evening altercation was motivated by revenge, "This is a horrible tragedy. One homicide is one too many. There are way too many guns in the hands of young people." Mitchell was a beloved figure in the neighborhood, having settled on the Williamsbridge Street in 1954, and her death provoked the outrage of her family and friends.
Tagged
bronx
crime
gun violence
killing
Sadie Mitchell
stray bullet
williamsbridge
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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