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14-year-old boy fatally shot in Queens apartment, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 26, 2025
Modified Jun 26, 2025
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 26, 2025
Modified Jun 26, 2025
Share
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Police said they were investigating what they believe to be an accidental shooting that left a 14-year-old boy dead in Queens on Wednesday afternoon and led to the arrest of a 15-year-old.
The shooting occurred inside Jamuri Mezar’s apartment in the Norman Towers complex on 161st Street and 90th Avenue in Jamaica, police said. Officers responded to a 911 call around 5 p.m. and found the teen with a gunshot wound to the head. EMS workers pronounced him dead at the scene.
The 15-year-old boy was arrested Thursday morning and charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
Police said a semi-automatic pistol was recovered near Mezar, and that a group of teens had been passing the weapon around when it went off. One of the boy’s friends called 911 to report the shooting, according to investigators.
Initially, investigators considered the possibility that the wound was self-inflicted, but officials said they now believe the shooting was accidental.
The boy’s death comes just a day after another teen was shot and killed in a Bronx park during what police and his mother said was a water gun fight that turned violent.
Derrell Harris, 17, was gunned down in Starlight Park on Sheridan Boulevard and East 173rd Street after several teens had gathered to escape the sweltering heat.
Harris’ killer was not immediately arrested.
This story has been updated with new information.
A previous version of this story cited police officials saying the gunshot wound may have been self-inflicted, but investigators say that no longer appears to be the case.
Tagged
public safety
queens
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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